THE 



PICTURE OF NEW-YORK , 



THE TRAVELLER'S GUIDE. 



THROUGH THE 



COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS 



UNITED STATES. 



'?Y A GENTLEMAN RESIDING IX THIS CIT\ 



.KEW-YORK: 



PUBLISHED BY I. RILEY AN© CO. 

^OT.D BY BRISBAN ANDBRANNAN, CT T Y- lIO TELj 

BROADWAY, 




fi 



i'Sor 



tJistrict of 7 T3 E IT REMEMBERED, That on 
New-York 5 *^* -t) the fifteenth day of April, in the 
thirty-firstyearof the Independence of the United States 
of America, Isaac Riley, of the said District, hath 
deposited in this Office, the Title of a Book, the rig-ht 
whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following-, 
to wit : 

*' The Picture of New- York, or the Traveller's Guide, 
" throus^h the Commercial Metropolis of the United 
" Stoics,' by a Gentleman residing- in this City." 



In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the 
United States, entitled '* An Act for the encourage- 
" ment of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, 
** Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors 
** of such Copies, during the times therein mentioned;'* 
and also to an Act entitled '* An Act supplementary to 
" an act entitled. An Act for the encouragement of 
" Learnmg, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, 
''* and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such 
" Copies, during the times therein mentioned, and ex- 
*' tending the benefits thereof, to the Arts of Design- 
*• ing, Engraving and Etching Historical and other 
"prints." 

EDWARD DUNSCOMB, 
Clerk of the District of New-Yoi-k 



PREFACE. 



AN apology for the present publication 
may be derived from the scantiness and 
incorrectness of the information to be 
found in any collected and methodical 
form relative to New- York. This city, 
which has more commerce than an}^ place 
in North America, which is a great and 
grooving capital, and contains a numerous 
and increasing population, is not as well 
known to its own inhabitants as it de- 
serves to be. There is no wonder, there- 
fore, that strangers and travellers have 
not done justice to it in their printed wri- 
tings. 

Mistakes, when they once get into 
books, are often very difficult to correct. 
They are but too often continued from 
one edition to another \\ithout alteration. 
And thus they diffuse and perpetuate er- 
ror from generation to generation* The 
only effectual method oi' prevenlinp; tlv 



IV PREFACE. 

misrepresentation of those who visit our 
eity, is to write a full and true account of 
ii ourselves. By taking this course, am- 
ple and genuine information will be given 
to all w ho seek it ; and there will be no 
excuse afterwards for such authors and 
compilers as treat our cit}^ and its inhabi- 
tants with their accustomed neglectful- 
ness or perversion. 

lu G u T H R I E ■ s A 'ew System of Mo- 
dern Geo^raphij^ the whole accoiiUt of the 
state of New- York does not occupy more 
than tliree pages of the London quarto 
edition. \\\ this there is hardly any thing 
that there ought to be. The information 
is so general, old, and inapplicable to the 
present state of things, that a lover of 
truth might rather wish the whole chap- 
ter expunged than that it should stand as 
it does. And yet, this book is almost 
universally read and quoted as authority ; 
in some places it is even used for instruc- 
tion in schools. 

The American G eogr a pluj o^ our cown* 
tiyman Morse, is a work of much merit, 
'ilie author traced the Hrst great outline 



PREFACE. V 

of our collected geography ; and he has 
done more justice to his country than any 
other writer. But the improvements in 
New- York outrun the editions of his 
"work. They are so numerous, and carry 
with them such an alteration of the con- 
dition of things, that the statement which 
was tolerably accurate seven years ago, 
is at present a very imperfect guide. And 
yet, this work, which is extant in a quar- 
to, octavo, and abridged form, is exten- 
sively read in families and seminaries of 
learning. 

Payne's J\'ew and Complete Sijstem 
of Universal Geography is, by far, pre- 
ferable to Guthrie's in the chapter on 
Ne\^'- York. The reason however, is, that 
he almost entirely copies Dr. Morse, 
though he endeavours to conceal this by 
transposing the paragraphs and sections* 
The same objections which were made 
to the geographer of Massachusetts apply 
to the Englishman ; and with stronger 
force, because he must wait for Morse's 
corrected edition to copy from. 

And e yen P i n k e r x o n , in his Modern 



VI PREFACE. 

Geography^ digested on a 7ieiu plan^ is by 
no means as distinct and instructive as 
might be expected, in his historical, po- 
litical, and natural summary of die Unit- 
ed States. New- York, indeed, appears 
now and then in the narrative ; but by no 
means so frecjuently and so plainly as her 
importance requires ; she is lost in the 
crowd. And this performance too, is 
quite in fashion, and has received the 
sanction of an American press and edi- 
tion. 

It seemed, therefore, highly necessary, 
hi justice to the commercial metropolis of 
North America, to describe its situation 
and institutions in a better manner than 
has been ever done before. The writer 
is wholly aware of the difficuhy of the un- 
dertakiiig. Nothing is easier than to write 
v/orks of f^mcy ; nothing more difficult 
and laborious than to ascertain facts. And 
if any of liis readers should entertain a 
doubt of the labour requisite for such a 
compilation, he is requested to make an 
experiment by amending some of the ar- 
ticles of this work; or by writing new 
ones. 



PREFACE. Vll 

The author is also more fully sensible 
than perhaps most of his readers, of the 
defects in his performance. He knows 
there is nothing offered upon the religious 
and military institutionsof New- York, and 
that maps and plates are wholly wanting. 
These, however, he hopes will be suppli- 
ed for the improvement of the next edi« 
tion. 

It is acknowledged that even the chap- 
ters he has compiled might have been 
executed in a better manner, by an abler 
hand. The writer believes he can im- 
prove upon them himself, and retouch 
them with advantage. He solicits from 
all intelligent peisons, such corrections 
and amendments as their situation may 
enable them to furnish. And by pro- 
ceeding in this manner, in the course of 
a few editions, there w^ill be few excep- 
tionable passages. The great outline is 
now drawn, and the smaller and finer 
touches may be given to the Picture at 
all convenient opportunities. 

It would be easy to render such a per- 
formance as this a complete statistical 



Vlil PREFACE, 



view of the city of New- York. And, in- 
deed, it may be owned, that such is the 
author's design, should he be favou.ed 
with the means of accomplishing it. 

"Fhey who are acquainted with the 
Picture of London^ tlie Oxford Gidde, 
the Tableau de Farts, and oiher descrip- 
tions of the great and celebrated cities of 
Kurope, will immediately comprehend 
the scope and object of the Picture of 
New- York. It is to be hoped that the j;nn- 
cipal cities of the United States will fol- 
low the example, and prepare for travel- 
lers and strangers faithful statistical man- 
uals of dicir respective situations. 



CONTENTS. 



I. TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION.'^^ 

1. Situation of New-York - 1 

2. Size and configuration - ibid. 

3. Bay and Harbour - 4 

4. Discovery, name and settlement - 6 

II. THE EAST RIVER, OR SOUND. 

3 . Mattowacks, Long, or Nassau-Island 1 1 

2. Slaten -Island - - 20 

3. Governor's, Bedlow's, and Ellis's Islands ibic|. 

III. THE NORTH RIVER, OR THE 

HUDSON. 

i. Passage of the Hudson down Glen's Falls 20 

2. The Falls at Fort Edward - 23 

3. Passage through the mountains without 

a cataract - - 24 

4. Poem on the Hudson - 27 

IV. CHARTER OF THE CITY, 

1 By Governor Dongan - 28 

2. By Governor Montgomerie - ibid, 

5. Popu:dtion of the city in 1800 -^ ^o 
4, Popultttioo ili 1805 ^ 54 



^IB CONTENTS 

PAGE- 

5. Population of the whole province in 1756 33 

6. Tonnage of the port - 36 

7. Duties collected on tonnage and imports 37 

V. BANKS, AND OFFICES FOR THE 
DISCOUNT OF BILLS. 

i. Bank of New-York - - 33 

■2. The Branch bank - - 39 

3. The Manhattan bank - 40 

4. Merchants bank - - ibid. 

5. Jersey bank - - 4l 

VI. INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

i. United Insurance Company 42 

2. New-York Insurance Company - 43 

3. Columbian Insurance Company ibid. 

4. Marine Insurance Company - 44 

5. Comnerial Insurance Company ibid. 

6. Mutual Assurance Company - 45 

7. Eagle Fire Company - 47 

8. Washington Mutual Assurance Company 49 

9. Branch of the Piioenix Company of Lon- 
don - - - 5$ 

VII. MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS. 

1. Justices* Court „ . 54 

2. Alderman's Court • 5/ 

3. Police Ofhce - - 58 
A. Taxes * - 6i 



CONTENTS. 219 

PAGE 

5. Weils and Pumps - 63 

6. Public roads - - 64 

7. Storing of Gunpowder - 65 

8. Prevention of Fires - 66 

9. System for extinguishing Fires - 68 

10. Wharves and Wharfage - . *^^^ 

11. Regulation for buildings, streets, and slips 73 

12. Sewers - - 75 

13. Lots - - ibid. 

VIII. COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 

1. Chamber of Commerce - 76 

.2. Inspection of Lumber - 80 

3 Weigh- masters - - 82 

4. Inspection of Staves and heading 83 

5. Inspection of Pot and Pearl Ashes 85 

6. Inspection of Soal Leather - 87 

7. Inspection of Flour and Meal - 88 

8. Inspection of Beef and Pork - 93 

9. Wardens of the Port, their duties and fees 97 
10. Pilots, their duties and fees - 100 

IX. BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 



1. Tammany Society - 102 

2. Free School - - 103 

3. Provident Society - 104 

4. Mutual Benefit Society . - ibid. 

5. Benevolent Society - ibid. 

6. Albion Benevolent Society - ibid, 

7. Ladies' Society for the relief of poor wi- 
dows with smxall children - 10.> 



220 CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

8. Association for the relief of disabled 
Firemen - - 107 

9. New-York Manufacturing Society 108 

10. General Society of mechanics and trades- 
men - - 109 

11. The Dispensary for relieving the sick 
poor - - ibid. 

12. The Lying-in-hospital - 110 

13. The Sailors' snug harbour - HI 

14. Marine Society - 112 

15. Manumission Society - US 

16. Kine-pock Institution - 114 

17. The City Hospital - 115 

18. The Alms House - - 120 

19. House Carpenters' Society - 122 

20. Bellevue Hospital - ibid. 

21. Marine Hospital at Staten-Island 123 

22. Humane Society - - 124 

23. Masonic Societies •• ibid. 

24. German Society - - 125 

25. Society of Unitas Fratrum - 126 

26. First Protestant Episcopal charity School ibid. 

27. 28, 29. St. Andrew's, St. Patrick's and 

St. George's Societies - 127 

30. The New-England Society - ibid. 

31. The Cincinnati - - ibid. 

X. MARKETS. 128 

1. The Fly Market - . - 131 

2. The Bare Market - ibid. 





CONTENTS 


291 

PAGE 


o. 


Catharine Market 


}33 


4. 


The Oswego Market 


ibid. 


5. 


The Exchange Market 


ibid. 


6. 


Hudson Market 


ibid. 



XI. THE PENITENTIARY HOUSE, OR 
STATIC PRISON ibid. 

XII. LITERARY ESTABLISHMENTS. 

1. Newspapers, daily - 138 

2. Twice a-week and weekly - 139 

3. Booksellers, and the trade in Books ibid. 

4. Columbia College - 141 

5. The New- York Society Library 143 
5. The Medical Society of the county of 

New-York - - 144 

7. Protestant Episcopal Society for promot- 
ing religion and learning - 147 

8. Private Schools and Academies 148 

9. Learned men and literary characters ibid; 

XIII. SENATORS AND REPRESENTA- 
TIVES IN CONGRESS 150 

XIV, PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. 

1. The Theatre - - 151 

2. Reading Rooms - 153 

3. The Battery, walk, musick, prospect, Sec. ibid. 

4. The Park - - 155 

5. Ranelagh -• - ibid. 



^2^ CONTENTSl 

6. Vauxhall garden and summer Theatre 136 

7. Academy of the Fine Arts - 1 57 

XV. TOURS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 
OF NEW-YORK. 

1. Tour to New Utrecht - 158 

2. Tour to Rockavvay - - 161 

3. Tour to I slip - - 166 

4. Tour to Passaick Falls - 178 
5 Tour to Kingsbridi^e - - 183 
6. Trip to Sandy-Hook and the Sea Bass 

Banks - - - 190 

XVI. COURTS OF JUSTICE. 



1. Tiie Court for the Trial of Impeach- 

ments and the Correction of Errors. 197 

2. The Court of Chancery - 1<^8 

3. The Supreme Court - ibid. 

4. The Couit of Exchequer - 199 

5. Courts of Oyer and Terminer and gene- 

ral gaol delivery - - ibid. 

6. Court of Common Pleas, commonly call- 

ed t!ie Mayor's Court - 200 

7. Court of General Sessions of the 

Peace - - - 204 

8. The Court of Special Sessions, for the 

Trial of Petty Offences - ibid. 

9. 1 he Court of Probates - 202 

10. Court of the Surrogate - ibid. 

11. District Court of the United States 203 

12. The Circuit Court of the United States 204 



GONTENTSL, 23^ 

XVII. REGULATIONS FOR THE PR?/''^ 
SERVATION OF THE PUBLIC 
HEALTH - - 205 

Harbour Master - - 314 



PICTURE 



OF 



NEW-YORK 



situation. 

X HE city of New- York stands on the island 
of Manhattan. This island is separated from 
New-Jersey by the river Hudson ; from 
the continental part of the state of New- 
York by Haerlam river ; from Long-Island 
by the East river, which is a branch of the 
Sound ; and from Staten-Island by the bay 
or harbour. 

Size and Coiifgiiratton, 

The island from north to south is about 
sixteen miles long ; and its breadth varies 
from a quarter of a mile to a mile and a half« 
Its basis is very rocky, and consists princi-» 

A 



pally of orey granite^ though hi some places, 
especially- where the city has been built, there 
are great quantities of soap-stone and mag- 
nesian-rock, soni€ of which are beautifully 
chrvstalized in stars, and stained with arbo- 
rescent figures. Among the granitical strata 
large garnets are frequently found, in twelve- 
sided regular figures ; and the flakes of mica,^ 
or isinglass, are in some places large and 
brilliant. The rocks in many places rise 
above the surface, and on the eastern side of 
the island, from Bellevue northward, they 
oppose to the tides a naked, steep and impas- 
sable barrier. Naturally the face of the land 
was marked strongly by the abruptness of 
crags and rallies, hills and dales, insulated 
rocks and marshy inlets, which characterize 
a maritime country wherein granite prevails. 
But many of these inequalities have disap- 
peared before the leveling hand of improve- 
ment. Hills have been dug down, and swamps 
have been filled up. Knolls have been pared 
away, and gullies brought to a level. By vast 
labour and expense much of the original as- 
perity has been taken off, and the surface 
smoothed as far as was desirable. A great 
deal of this regulating business is still going on 
in the newly settled parts of the citv. The 
quantity of earth carted away, is in many pla- 
ces, really surprising. The lake of fresh wa- 
ter, called th^ Collect, near the mi die of die- 



city, is rapidly turning to dry land ,* and the 
neighbouring hill, called Bayard's mount, has 
been cut through to its base. In a few years 
both these natural objects will disappear, and 
it will only be known irom history that they 
ever had an existence. 

The city and cotrnty of New-York are of 
equal extent. In Albany and Philadelphia it 
is othemvise. In each of them the city-limits 
are far more circumscribed than those of the 
count}'. In Albany the city and the county 
have different judiciary establishments. In 
Philadelphia the city and county choose dif- 
ferent sets of members to represent them in the 
assembly. But in New-York the city and 
county elect the same assemblymen, and haye 
the same courts of common pleas and general 
sessions of the peace. At present that branch 
of the state legislature consists of one hundred 
inembers, and o- this number, the city and 
county of New-York send nine* The city- 
jurisdiction extends to the land under the ad- 
joining waters as f r as low-water mark on the 
opposite sides. Consequently, the counties of 
Queens, King's, Richmond, Bergen and West- 
chester, are not separated from New- York by 
the middle of rivrrs and channels, in the or- 
dinary way, but by a line drawn along low-wa- 
ter mark on their respective shores. It hence 
happens that Governor's, Ellis's, and Bedlov/'s 
islands, in New-York bay, and Blackweil's, 



Parsell's, and several other islands of a small 
size near Hell-Gate, belong to the county 
of New- York. 

Bmj and Harbcur, 

The bay is about nine miles long and three 
broad, without reckoning the branches of 
the rivers on each side of the town. From 
the ocean at Sandy Hook to tlie city at the 
head of the bay is not more than tv/enty- 
eight miles. The water is deep enough to 
float the largest vessels. Ships of ninety 
guns have anchored opposite the city. — ■ 
There they lie land-locked, and well secured 
from winds and storms. And fleets of the 
greatest number have ample space for moor- 
ing. During the revolutionary war, New- 
York was the great rendezvous of the Bri- 
tish fleet from the time of its surrender in 
September, 1776, to its recovery from them 
in November 1783. Their ships of the line 
and transports passed all seasons of the year 
here in security. 

It has been often observed that the cold of 
winter has less effect upon the water of New- 
York harbour than in several places further 
to the south. When Philadelphia, Balti- 
more, and Alexandria, are choked up by ice 
in severe winters, as in that of 1804, for ex- 
ample. New- York suffers scarcel)- any incon- 
venience from it. This is owing partly to 



the saltness of the sound and the bay ; while 
the Delaware, Patapsc •, and Potomrck, at 
the respective cities above mentio'.jed are 
fresh, an J consequently more easy to freeze. 
The water at New-York differs but little in 
saltness from the neighbouring Atlantic. The 
openness of the port is also to be ascribed 
in part to the greater ebb and flow of the tide. 
Another reason of the greater fitness of New- 
York for vv^inter-navigation is the rapidity of 
the currents^ The strength of these in or- 
dinary tides, and more especially when they 
are agitated by storms is capable of rending 
the soliditvof the ice, and reducing it to frag- 
ments. And although the whole harbour 
was <:overed by a bi'idge of very compact 
ice in 1780, to the serious alarm of the Bri- 
tisTi garrison, the like has never occurr.ed 
since. 

Several maps and plans of the city and 
harbour are extant ; that by lieutenant Rat- 
zer, done in 1766, gives a good view of 
the city and its environs as they then were, 
on a large scale. In 1774, Mr. Sauthier 
published his fine map of New- York, gen- 
erally. The map by general and admiral 
Howe, of the country and waters adjacent 
to New- York, pu!>r:shed in London for the 
information of parliament concerning the 
campaign of 1776, is an excellent piece 
of physical and miiitaiv topography. A 
4 3 



map of the city, published by order ui the 
common comicil, in 1801, which is the best 
exhibition of the streets and intended im- 
provements, inchided even the projected 
works to be completed on the east and north 
rivers, from the present shores to the line 
of limitation, at which all further encroach- 
ments shall stop. The harbour has also 
been surveyed by col. Williams, under the 
direction of the secretary of war. This 
was done in 1805, and only exists in manu- 
script* 

Dlsco'Derij^ Name and Settlement* 

Henrv the Seventh, king of England em- 
ployed Sebastian Cabot, one of his subjects, to 
discover a north-west passage to China: in 
attempting which, the navigator, in the year 
1497, discovered all the north-east coast of 
America, from Cape Florida to 671-2 de- 
grees north latitude ; the whole of which 
tract of country, the crown of England, as 
the phrase was, became entitled to, by ri^r/it of 
cllsco'oerif. Afterwards, in 1584, Sir Walter 
Raleigh, an Englishman, sent t\yo vessels 
with people to effect a settlement, who land- 
ed at a place since called Roanoke, in Caro- 
lina, and took possession of the country in 
\h.c name of the English sovereign, Eliza- 



heth, calling it Virginia, In allusion to her 
heing a virgin queen. Then, between the 
years 1584 and 1606, many voyages were 
made, by various English subjects, to diffe- 
rent parts of this north-east coast of Ame- 
rica, who took possession thereof for the 
crown of England, until, on April 10th, 
1606, two companies were incorporated, by 
letters patent, from James, then king of 
England, by the names of the South Vir- 
ginia Company, and the north Virginia Com- 
pany ; the lim/its of the former being between 
the lat. 34° and 41 <^, and of the latter, be- 
tween 38*^ and 45*^; by virtue of v/hich the 
South Virginia Company settled themselves 
first in the Bay of Chesapeake, in 1607; 
and the North Virginia Company made no 
lasting settlement until 1620, when Ply- 
mouth, in New-England, was settled. In 
1608, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, dis- 
covered what has been since called Hudson's 
River, whose mouth is about 40. 20. N. 
This mouth, and considerable part of the 
river, lie within the limits of both the said 
corporations. Hudson, \vithout license from 
his sovereign, sold his discovery to the 
Dutch ; under colour of which, the Dutch 
West-India Company made settlements on 
Hudson's River. Sir Samuel Argul, Gov- 
ernor of the South Virginia Co!n|5any, con- 



ceiving the Dutch as intruders upon his ter- 
ritory, drove them off in 1618. 

In the year 1620, King James I. gave the 
Dutch leave to build some cottages on Hud- 
son's river, for the convenience of their ves- 
sels, bound to and from Brazil, touching 
there for water and provisions ; under which 
license the Dutch settled a colony, then called 
New-Nedierlands ; which colony of New- 
Netherlands appears to have included all 
New-Jersey and Hudson's river, and the 
greater part of what is now New-York^ and 
Pennsylvania, lying on both sides ot New- 
Jersey. 

Complaint having been made of these 
proceedings of the Dutch, by Charles I. to 
the States General, the business was dis- 
owned by them, and declared, in a public 
instrument, to be only a private undertakmg 
of the West-India Company of Amsterdam. 
By these people, the town, then called Neiv- 
Amstcrdam and Manacles, which is now the 
citv of New-York, was begun on the south- 
west of an island called iManhattans, near 
the mouth of the river. 

After this, the Dutch remained in posses- 
sion of the New-Netherlands until 1664, 
when Charles II. sent an armed force to 
dispossess them ; whereupon, on the 27th of 
August, in that year, the Dutch, on being 



summoned, made a surrender thereof to Sir 
Robert Carr and Colonel Nicoll. 

On the 12th March, 1663-4, King Charles 
II. in the 16th year ol" his reign, by letters 
patent imder the great seal of England, gave 
and granted to his brother, James, Duke of 
York, his heirs and assigns, all Mattawacks, 
now called Long, or Nassau-Island, all liud- 
son's river, and all the lands from the west 
side of Connecticut river to the east side of 
Delaware bay together with all royalties, 
and the right of government ; by virtue 
whereof, James, Duke of York, became 
seized of the same. Of this he sold all 
that part which includes the present state of 
New-Jersey, by lease and release, dated the 
23d and 24th days of June, 1664, to Lord 
Barclay and Sir George Carteret, their heirs 
and assigns, in as full a manner as he had 
received it. And this possession of the 
English was confirmed on the 21st of July, 
1667, by the third article of the treaty of 
Breda, between Charles II. and the States 
General. 

Afterwards, on the 30th of July, 1673, 
New-York and New-Jersey were conquered 
by the Dutch, during a war which was car- 
ried on between their nation and the Eng- 
lish, under Charles II. and the English gov- 
ernment abolished therein. Peace, however, 



10 

being made between the contending parties, 
on the 9 — 19th February, 1673-4, at Lon- 
don, New-York and New-Jersey were again, 
by virtue of the 6th article thereof, re-deliv- 
ered to Charles II. 

Then the letters patent were renewed by 
him to the Duke of York, for the before men- 
tioned extent of country, &c. on the 29th of 
June, 1674. Whereupon the duke of York, 
by lease and release, dated 28th and 29th 
July, 1674, conveyed to Sir George Carte- 
ret, his heirs and assigns, all of what is call- 
ed East'Jerseij^ bounded west by a straight 
line from Barnagat creek to a certain creek 
on Delaware river, next below Rancokus 
kill ; thence up the Delaware to the northern- 
most branch thereof which is inlat. 41. 40. 
N. and on the north by a straight line drawn 
thence to Hudson's river, in lat. 41. and on 
the east partly by the main sea, and partly l)y 
Hudson's river, with all the royalties and ap- 
purtenances ; reserving to himself (the Duke 
of York) all the other granted tracts, particu- 
larly West-Jerseij^ which he held and govern- 
ed, in spite of the claims of Lord Barclay and 
his agents, under the grant of 1664, until 1680, 
when the matter was accommodated between 
the assigns of Barclay and the Duke. The 
assigns of Barclay and Carteret came to a 
division, the former holding West, and the 
latter East-Jersey, in severalty. 



11 

THE EAST RIVER. 

Long^ or Nassau Island. 

This piece of land, which forms the east 
and south sides of the hay and harhour of 
New- York, extends north-eastwardlv about 
120 miles, and terminates in a fork, the 
shorter extremity of which is called Oyster- 
Pond^ and the longer, Montauk- Point, The 
land is very low, especially on the south 
side, and, of course, not visible from any 
great distance at sea. The highest land on 
the island is called Harbour-Hill* Its aver- 
age breadth is estimated at about eight or 
nine mrles. A ridge of h lis runs almost 
the whole length of it on the north side, and 
completely divides its waters. The streams 
have, on this account, much shorter coursts 
toward the Sound than on the side next the 
ocean, and are, consequently, more rapid 
and precipitous. 

The face of the^country, on the one side 
of this elevation, which may be called the 
Spine of the Island^ is exceedingly different 
from that on the other. On the north side 
it is variegated, uneven, and very much 
diversified with hills and dales ; while, on 
the south, little else is discovered by the 
traveller than a flat surface, sloping gradual- 



12 

ly iuvay toward the ocean. Stones and rocks 
are very frequent on the side next the con- 
tinent ; button the Atlantic side of the hills, 
a carriage may be driven many miles with- 
out the least impediment from them. Indeed, 
the tract which lies northward of the ridge, 
not only resembles the adjoining parts of the 
main land in its face and general appearance, 
but also in its fossils and mineral productions. 
It appears to have been separated from the 
continent, during the lapse of ages, by the 
encroachments of the salt water. 

From a survey of the fossils in these parts 
of the American coast, one becomes con- 
vinced that the principal share of them is 
granitical, composed of the scune sorts of ma- 
terials as the highest Alp^i^ Pyrennees^ Cau- 
casus^ and Andes y and^ like thtm^ destitute of 
metals and petrifactions. 

The occurrence of no horizontal strata, 
and the frequency of vertical layers, induce a 
belief that these strata are not secondanj col- 
lections of minerals^ but are certainly in a 
state of primeval arrangement. 

The steatites^ amianthus^ shoerl^ feldspath^ 
mica^ garnet^ jasper ^ .shistus^ asbestos and 
quartz must all be considered as primitive 
fossils^ and hij no means of an albrsial nature. 

What inference remains now to be drawn 
from this statement of facts, but that the 



13 

fashionable opinion of considering these 
maritime parts of our country as flats, hove 
up from the deeps by the sea, or brought 
down from the heights by the rivers, stands 
unsupported by reason, and contradicted by 
experience ? 

A more probable opinion is, that Long- 
Island, and the adjacent continent were, in 
former days, contiguous, or only separated 
by a small river, and that the strait which 
now divides them was formed by successive 
inroads of the sea, from the eastward to the 
westward, in the course of ages. This con- 
jecture is supported by the facts which fol- 
low ; to zvit^ 1. The fossil bodies on both 
shores have a near resemblance. 2. The 
rocks and islands lying between are formed 
of similar materials. 3. in several places, 
particularly at White-Stone and Hell-Gate, 
the distance from land to land is very small. 
4. Wherever the shore is not composed of 
solid rock, there the water continues to make 
great encroachments, and to cause the high 
banks to tumble down, as is true, not only 
at Plandome, but at Montauk, Newtown, 
and elesewhere, at this very day. 5. The 
rocky piles in the Sound, soon to be describ- 
ed, called Executions and Stepping Stones, 
and Hurtle-Berry-Island, Pea-Island, Kart 
Island, and many more that lie up and 



14 

down, are strong circumstances in favour 
of this opinion : for, from several of 
them, all the earthy matter, as far as the 
highest tides can reach, has long since been 
carried away, and, from the rest, the sand 
and gravel continue to be removed by daily 
attrition ; as is true also of the Brothers, 
Ryker's, Blackv.^ell's, and other islands. 6,. 
There is a tradition among that race of men 
who, previous to the Europeans, possessed 
this tract of country, that, at some distant 
period, in former times, their ancestors could 
step from ro.k to rock, and cross this arm of 
the sea on foot at Hell-Gate. 

On this side of the island there are some 
solitary rocks, or enormous heaps of granite, 
which are too remarkable to be omitted in 
this description. 

To the eastward of the strait called Hell- 
Gate, all the considerable rocks are solitary 
masses of granite. These are scattered over 
the upland, and along the shores between 
high and low-water marks, and under the salt 
water of the bays and of the Sound. In the 
latter cases they are much frequented by 
fish, and many kinds of these animals are 
caught around them by the hook and line. 
Some of these detached or insulated rocks 
are of considerable size. The largest one of 
the kind is to be found in the town of North 



15 

Hemstcad. It I3 of a remarkable figure, form- 
ing a sort of irregular square, of the extent 
of about forty feet on the west, south, and east 
sides, and of nearly twenty on the north. It 
lies on the declivity of a hill, and its thick- 
ness above ground increases from ten or 
twelve feet ; as you descend, to seventeen, or 
thereabout. The top of the rock is, to a con- 
siderable extent, pretty nearly level, and 
supports earth enough for a number of 
plants to grow. Ainong others a peach-tree, 
a yerva-mora (bozea), a species of cactus, a 
thorn-bush, an oak ancl a lilac, besides 
several other perennials and grasses. It is 
known in the records of the town, by the 
name of the Mill-Stone Rock, 

Supposing the rock to be uniformly thick, 
which is by no means an improbable suppo- 
sition, then forty, the length, multiplied by 
thirty, the average breadth, gives a superfi- 
cies of twelve hundred square feet. This 
number, multiplied by seventeen, the sup- 
posed thickness, gives twenty thousand and 
four hundred cubic feet — A vast lump, in- 
deed, of solid granite ! and lying remote 
from all mountains and strata, for a distance 
oi eight or nine miles at the least. 



16 

This rock is coiisiclered as a -mass of 
compact granite ; not, indeed, that it has no 
cracks or fissures in it, but because all the 
pieces of which it is composed, and they are 
not numerous, are well fitted to each other, 
and show, by their shape and adaptation, that, 
as they are now in sitit^ they were once unit- 
ed mto a whcJe. 

There are, in the same town, other huge 
rocks of solitary granite, the ugh not so re- 
guiai' and large as the one just described. 
And the well-known shoal of Old Success^ in 
the Sound, near the mouth of Cow-Bay, has, 
in its centre, a granite rock, whose top is 
sometimes bare, when the water around it is 
fifteen or sixteen feet deep. 

The appetirance of things on the south 
side of the Spine, lead the observer to sup- 
pose that the foot of those hills was the an- 
cient barrier of the ocean, and that the whole 
extent of the land between them and the sea, 
is a dereliction of the v/atei s. As the north 
part of Long-Island is evidently primeval^ 
so the south side aiTords tokens no less con- 
vincingof its secondary nature. Its horizon- 
tal strata its sandy and gravelly quality, and 
the roundish and water-worn surfaces of its 
qnartzy pebbles, all lead to such a perbuasion. 
"J he land, besides, is very bare of vegetable 
mould, as well as of rocks and stones, and 



17 

the timber is generally of a much smaller 
growth. And, what is well worthy of note, 
the soil is so peculiar, that various species of 
vegetables grow on it, which are net seen on 
the other side of the Spine. This is so much 
the case, that the two sides of the island 
make a strong contrast. On this side also, 
shells of marine animals are more frequently 
met with in digging wells, though it is said 
that, toward the west end of the island, the 
remains of testaceous creatures have been 
found at considerable depths, in some places, 
on the north side of the ridge. 

Between Long-Island and the continent 
there are several shoals, with rocks scattered 
over them, v\'hich are, apparently, sunken ov 
wasted islands. These remains of what 
was, probably, in former days, upland of as 
great height as the neighbouring islands, af- 
ford strong evidence of the levelling pov/er 
©f the waves. One of these shallow places, 
whose rocks are frequently bare at low water, 
lies off the extremity of Cow-Neck, and oc- 
cupies several acres near almost the middle 
(if the Sound. From the damage sometimes 
done to vessels, by this shoal and its rocks, 
they are called Executions, Another sandy 
spot of many acres, v/ith several la.rge rocks 
t^ppearing here and there above the little 
\rater which covers it, stretches far toward 
B 2 



18 

the main channel from the bottom of Great- 
Neck. These rocks are called, the Stepping 
Stones, Such of the islands enumerated as 
have not a rocky basis, will probably, in the 
progress of things, be washed down, and 
undergo a similar submersion. 

Some facts remain to be mentioned, 
which will tend toward an explanation of the 
rapid currents and dangerous navigation of 
HelUGate* This is a strait, one of whose 
sides is formed by Long-Island^ and the 
other by ParseWs and Manhattan* Between, 
the tvv^o latter, Haerlem-Creek empties itself 
into Hell-Gate. It is proper to mention 
that the great masses of rocky matter 
run from N. E. to S. W. There is so great 
a quantity of solid granite hereabout, that 
both the shores, and the intervening rocks 
and reefs, almost altogether consist of it. 
Such a compact body of it impedes, on the 
Long-Island side, the direct flow of the wa- 
ter of the Sound, in a north-eastwardly and 
south-westwardly direction, so completely, 
that the current is forced to take a short and 
sudden turn round the point of Parseil's 
Island. The change of direction which the 
water is obliged to take is north-westwardly, 
or nearly at a right angle with the ridges and 
strata of rocks v/hich formerly connected the 
two islands. And sucli has been its impetu- 



19 

ous and irresistible force, that the dams of 
solid rock, which nature had constructed 
across, have been br( ken down and carried 
siway, and nothing but their ruins are now to 
be seen. The broken remains of these strata 
of granite are visible, as they extend N. E. 
from Long-Island, and S. W. from Parsell's 
Island, partly above, and partly urder water. 
Where the strength of the current has 
thrown the fragments of the strata irregular- 
Iv and confusedly about, the foaming and 
agitation thev occasion in the w^ater, as it runs 
among and over them, has given rise to the 
v*hinjsical names of the Pot^ x\\(t Fry'ing-Pan^ 
?cnd the .'.rid-Iron^ \v-hich the boatmen apply 
to these rude and disordered piles of sunken 
rocks. Where the force of the water has 
not been sufHcient to break down a wdiole 
Stratum, but a part thereof still braves its 
power, a judgment m.ay be formed, from the 
pi^rts which are left, v/hat the original con- 
stitution was. The Hog's Eack^ Hallefs 
Point Reef, xhe -Mill-Rock, the jliddleReef, 
and the South-Rock, are plain and instructive 
monuments of the ancient arrangement. — 
Thev are portions of strata remaining, after 
all the rest had been swept away by the tides. 
After having thus forced its way through and 
across thcj^e mounds of granite for about one 
quarter of a mile, the current turns, and 



2© 

pursues its former course, not any longer 
across the strata, but in a direction nearly 
parallel with them. 



Staten-Lland. 



Is evidently a parcel of land, of much the 
same quality with the north side of Long- 
Island, left between the currents of the Nar- 
roivs^ separating it from Long-Island, on 
the one side, and the Kills^ dividing it frora 
New-Jersey, on the other. 

Governofs^ Bedlow's^ and Ellis'' s- Is lands y 

Are three small bodies of earth and sand 
left in the bay of New- York, not memorable 
for any thing mineralogical. 

The ordinary rise and fall of the tide, at 
the city, is about six feet. With spring 
tides it swells considerably more j and, under 
the influence of north-east storms, some- 
times rises to such a height as to do consi- 
derable damage by overflowing. But this 
is less frequent of late years, by reason of 
the improved condition of the wharves, lots, 
and stores. 

The Passage of the Hudson doxvn Olen'^s Falls, 

About fifty miles north of Albany, near 



Kingsbury, is a very picturesque and magni- 
ficent scene. 1 he whole v\aters ol the Ijiud- 
son fall down a prodigious steep. '1 he 
country, from between two and three miles 
above the falls to some distance below them, 
abounds with calcareous rocks. '1 hey are 
hereabout the superior strata, and lie upon 
the shistus or slate, which forms, as in other 
parts of the state of New-York, the solid 
mass of earthy materials below. A solid 
bed of this lime-stone crosses the river a lit- 
tle above the place where it descends, 'i he 
rock there divides itself into so many dis- 
tinct masses, that when the water is low or 
scant)/ it rushes through four diiferent chasms 
between the calcareous walls. A^ hen the ri- 
ver is swelled with rains, all these fissures 
and interposing mounds are covered, and 
the distinction of currents is in some mea- 
sure lost for about half the distance of their 
irregular descent. The streams there assume 
anew modification, and arrive at the bottom 
by three principal channels. Over these 
three streams there are as many bridges, 
afiording to travellers the singular spectacle 
of beholding the roaring and foaming cata- 
ract beneath them at the very place where 
the}^ cross. From the highest part of the 
largest of these, the distance to the water 
beneath is about thirty-five or forty feet. 



22 

1 he masses of lime-stone which dh'ect the 
courses of the waters, and separate their cur- 
rents, are disposed in horizontal strata as re- 
gularly as if they had been hiid by a level. — 
In several places they are very abrupt, and 
terminate with the perpendicularity of a 
wall. Between them are profound openings, 
through which the torrent forces its way. — 
At the bottom all the streams re-unite, and 
proceed in conjunction toward Fort Ed- 
ward. 

This cataract is uncommonly variegated 
■and wild, insomuch that it is impossible to 
give any tolerable description of it. But all 
persons who have a taste for grandeur and 
rudeness in natural scenery, are highly de- 
lighted wath the prospect which it affords. 

The central mass of lime-stone forms an 
island of such height as never to be over- 
flowed entirely. A pine tree is growing on 
the summit of it. And between this sum- 
mit and the water-level there are several 
long and lar;^e excavations in the rock, 
through which spectators may pass, under 
natural arches, and obtain advantageous 
views of this noble work of nature. From 
this insulated spot, too, can be seen to great 
advantage the saw-mills, grist-mills, and 
forges, which are moved by portions of the 
water led off from the main channel of the 



23 

river to its two sides, and by their wcU- 
adapted machinery are performing daily a 
great amount of work, in wood, grain, and 
iron. 

The highest fall made by one of the four 
currents has a great resemblance to that of 
the Passaick. The water pitches obliquely 
into a terrible chasm, which appears to be 
about as deep. After rushing violently 
through the narrow channels, it soon grows 
calm in the great bason which receives it. — 

This is very deep, and we were amused 
with the sight of several young men, who, 
for small sums of mone)', would leap from 
the bridge, thirty feet and more, into the 
current, as often as we pleased. 

The Falh of the Hudson above Fort EdwarcL 

A few miles below Glen's Falls the lime- 
stone ceases. Along the greater part of its 
extent the Hudson winds his course between 
its solid and almost perpendicular sides. — ■ 
After leaving the calcareous stratum, the ri- 
ver travels over a bottom of shistic or slaty 
composition. About half a mile from the 
ordinary travelling road may be seen a cata- 
ract, having considerable resemblance to the 
upper falls of the Potomack, fourteen miles 
above Georgetown, in Maryland. This is 
picturesque and grand, but in a style remark- 
ably different from the preceding j though, 



24 

like it, the scene is eminently deserving to 
be beheld b}' persons of curiosity and taste. 

The Passage of the Hudson through the Kant- 
skill and Fishkill 3Iountains without a Cat- 
aract, 

The descent of the river towards Water- 
ford and Froy is interrupted by several small- 
er falls and rapids, running over strata of 
slaty rock. Of these the most considerable 
is near Fort Miller, above Stillwater. Af- 
ter passing many such declivities and steps, 
the Hudson, travelling from the north, re- 
ceives the waters of the Mohawk approach- 
ing to meet him from the west. This ad- 
dition determines nearly how high the Hud- 
son is navigable. After its fall at the Co- 
hoes, about a mile before the junction, the 
Mohawk is divided into several streams by a 
few small islan Is lying opposite to Lansing- 
burgh and Troy. Its southern branch comes, 
within about seven miles of Albany, joiiiing 
its stream to the North River exactlv oppo- 
site to Troy. The influence of this body 
of waters is immediately perceptible. For 
though Albany and Troy, are so aided by 
them as to be accessible by sloops of conve- 
nient tonnage and capacity for the extensive 
business those settlements have to transact, 
it has been found necessary to deepen the 
bed of the river, by a very laborious and ex- 



25 

pensive .iindertaklng, in order to render it 
navigable to Lansingburgh and Waterford. 
The Hudson thus will be navigable from 
Sandy Hook to the Half-Moon Point, adja- 
cent to the northern branch of the Mohawk.. 
In this long course of about two hundred 
miles there is not a single cataract, nor even 
a rapid. At Albany the tide flows about one 
foot. The chief impediments to navigation 
are some bars of sand and flats of mud, with 
here and there rocks ; such as are common 
in most rivers. 

But between Albany and New-York the 
Hudson passes two ranges of nuuntains ; and 
yet neither the Blue Momitains nor the Rock- 
land Chain give any impediment to its course. 

A few observations may explain this re- 
markable circumstance. The Blue Moun- 
tains do not eXiSt on the east side of the 
Hudson, unless the Taconick Hills, I order- 
ing on the western extremity of Massachu- 
setts, mav be considered as belonging to 
them. But admitting this, there is still a 
tract of level country extending from one of 
these heights to the other. Through this 
the Hudson finds its way ; and as the Blue 
Mountains rise seven miles to the westward 
of the river, it rather passes by than through 
them. 

Thus it glides along until the width to 



26 

which it spreads at New-Windsor is con* 
tracted to ihe narrow bounds which restrain 
it as it holds its almost unchanging course to 
the south, through the mountains which lie 
in the counties of Orange, Dutchess, West- 
chester, and Rockland. These seem, in an- 
cient days, to have opposcvl a dam of granite 
sixteen miles wide to the Hudson's progress ; 
and formerly to have raised the waters above 
the lands of the upper country to such a 
height as to have formed a lake. And there 
are traces on both sides of its present chan- 
nel, showing where the [)robabie outlets of 
the lake used to be, but which are nczv drij^ 
and greatly elevated above the present level. 
In the lapse of ages, this mound of moun* 
tains appears, either by attrition, undermin- 
ing, forcible impulse, or some other cause, 
to have given way to the confined waters, 
and opened for them a free passage to the 
ocean. And this has been so completely 
done, that the mountains between PoUepel's 
Island and Stony-Point have been cleft to 
their foundations, leaving a free, profound 
and sufficient channel between them. On 
the rugged and ruinous sides of this, the 
traveller explores the internal stratification 
of the region to great advantage, while his 
eye ranges over the picturesque and sublime 
kmdscape scenery above and below West- 



27 

Point, vv'itli uncommon delight. He beholds 
marine plants growing' near the river's edge, 
and salt water, in this inland situation, bath- 
ing the feet of the mountains. He becomes 
convinced that the deep channel this river 
has formed for itself through its rocky ob- 
stacles, is a greater and more admirable work 
of nature than all the cataracts afford. 

On this river, Daniel M'Kinnon, Esq. 
has written a Poem, entitled the Hudson j 
which was published in New-York in 1803, 
together with several other poetical pieces. 
From this the following extract is taken : 

Now meeting- tlie pure breath of morn, nnd borne 
Within the steep projecting Hig-hlands' ridge. 
The prospect rises round. Gig-antic, vast, 
O'ershadowint^ mountains soar, invested tliick 
Their shag'gy waists, and to their s-i mmits fai* 
A wilderness unbounded to tlie eye, 
Profuse and patliless, unsv.bdued by toil. 
Diminutive beneath, the Hijdson, deep 
Coerc'd by rocks, and silent, penetrates 
The solitudinous and woodland sceriC ; 
His former course disorder'd, winding- throug-h 
Unceiiain, strutrgling- for a passag-e. Far 
Within the lofty desert we behold 
The Fort,* and thnnd'ring- cannon on its brow, 
Rais'd on the western rocks, where trav'Ueis iong- 
The base and vain design that had betray'd 
Columbia shall relate. Here one while steep. 
In cliifs, and perpendicular, the shore 
Sublime, abrupt its craggy front exalts. 
And blacken-s o'er the tide : then low at fivstj 

* West- Point. 



28 

And nsing" from tlie naked granite banks, 

A sunny ieng'th of wood, out-strelch'd from lull 

To hill, lig-lit undulating- o'er the yoke 

Of distant mountains, swells into the skies. 

It is understood, that in convenient states 
of the v/ater, a vessel which can pass the 
bar at Sandy Hook, may be navigated to 
the city of Hudson. 

CHARTER OF THE CITY. 

After the surrender of the city, by the last 
Dutch governor, Stuyvesant, to the English 
commandant, colonel Nicoll, m 1674, a 
new order of things took place. Among 
others, was the granting of a charter to the 
city, in 1686, by Thomas Dongan, then acting 
as lieutenant-governor and vice-admiral of 
New-York, under James the second, king of 
Great-Britain. This James is the same to 
whom, vi/hen duke of York, the grant of 
New Amsterdam and New Netherlands, 
with the islands on the coast, and the lands 
near the Hudson, had been made in 1663, 
by his brother, Charles the second. 'J his 
charter was renewed, with many additional 
powers and privileges, in 1730, by John 
Montgomerie, then captain general and gov- 
ernor in chief of the provinces of New- 
York, New-Jersey, and the territories de- 



29 

pending thereon. The stile of the inhabi- 
tants, in their corporate capacity is, '■^ the 
mayor, aldermen, and commonalty, of the 
city of New-York." This royal charter re^ 
ceived the confirmation of the provincial 
legislature, by a formal and express statute, 
passed in 1732. 

By this the mayor may appoint one of the 
aldermen to be a deputy mayor, who ma}- act 
during his absence. He appoints the high 
constable ; has a right to summon a common 
council. He is himself principal clerk of the 
market, and water-bailiff, and receives the 
fees of both to his own use ; and he appoints 
and licenses marshals, porters, carriers, cart- 
men, carmen, cryers, packers, cullers and 
scavengers ; and removes them at pleasure. 
He also licenses tavern-keepers, and sellers 
of exciseable liquors, by retail. 

The mayor, recorder, clerk, sheriff and 
coroner, are appointed by the council of 
appointment, consisting of the governor and 
four senators, chosen in the manner prescribr 
ed by the state constitution. The aldermen, 
assistants, assessors, constables and collec- 
tors, are chosen by the inhabitants. Each 
free male inhabitant, of the age of tw^enty- 
one, and posi^essing a freehold estate of the 
value of fifty dollars, for one month before 
the election, or being a free man three 
G 2 



30 

months, and resident of the ward one month,, 
and paid taxes, is a qualified elector. This 
election is held on the third Tuesday of No- 
vember. 

The city now consists of nine wards ; each 
of which sends an alderman and an assistant 
to the common council. This body consists 
of the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assist- 
ants. They have the power to appoint a 
chamberlain or treasurer ; to make laws and 
ordinances for their own good rule and gov- 
ernment, and of all the inhal/jtants, to be 
in force for twelve months, and to contain a 
punishment for disobedience. These laws 
of the common council, relate to many 
branches of the police ; and are printed in a 
small volume, for their better promulgation 
among the citizens. They may establish as 
many ferries as they think fit, and receive 
the fees and profits. They may lay out and 
alter streets, lanes, alleys, highways, water- 
courses and bridges, throughout the city, 
and the whole island of Manhattan. They 
may establish markets to be held every day, 
except Sunday, when and where they choose. 
Tliey have the assize of bread, wine, beer, 
ale, and all other victuals and things set to 
sale ; but none of these is exercised but that of 
bread. They have, further, the power to 
appoint guagers of liquors ; measurers of 
salt and grain ; surveyors and packers of 



31 

bread, flour, beef, porlv, and other provi- 
sions ; of carters, carriers and porters of 
goods, wares and merchandizes ; and gar- 
bling of spices, and other things of that kind ; 
with all the fines and profiis, thereunto be- 
longins;. Thev possess, too, the power of 
making freemen of the said corporPtion ; and 
all persons exercising trades, or following 
occupations, in the city, (except in the public 
fairs) without first purcliasing their freedom, 
are liable to be fined five pounds. Aliens 
are forbidden to be made freemen of the 
city, until after they have been naturalized or 
denizenized. But tliis part of the charter 
has, of late years, be^n but little acted upon. 
Freemen are seldom created; and no prose- 
cutions are brought against those who carry 
on business without taking out their free-^ 
dom. They have pov/er to build bridewells 
and work-houses ; to appoint keepers, and 
commit rogues and vagabonds. They may' 
erect alms-houses, and make regulations for 
the same ; and as many gaols and keepers as 
they may deem necessary, for the confine- 
ment of traitors, felons, and disturbers of 
the peace. 

The mayor, deputy mayor, recorder and 
aldermen, are ex-officio justices of the peace ; 
and are empov/ered to hold courts of general 
sessions, to inquire of, hear, and determine^^ 



32 

all offences cognizable before justices of the 
peace, in the city. The mayor, recorder 
and aldermen are also declared to be justices 
of oyer and terrninci, and named as such in 
every commvssion. I'he mayor, aldermen 
and commonalty, are authorised to hold a 
court of record or common pleas. In this 
the mayor, deputy or recorder, may preside 
without the aldermen or assistants ; the lat- 
ter may attend if they please. In this court 
there is cognizance of all actions real, per- 
sonal and mixed. This is called the mayor^s 
court, and may be adjourned for any time 
not exceeding twenty-eight days. The clerk 
of the common council is also the clerk of 
the sessions, and of the common pleas. I'he 
mayor, recorder, and aldermen, may deter- 
mine causes, not exceeding forty shillings, 
with or without a j ury. 

This court is much confided in, as a tri- 
bunal of justice. Causes of great importance 
are often brought before it. Attornies and 
counsellors are required to undergo special 
examinitions previous to obtaining licenses 
to practice in it. The proceedings are 
modelled upon the process of the court of 
Kings Bench, in England ; but conforming 
to the constitution and laws of the common- 
wealth. 

The mayors of the city, in succession* 



33 

have been, NicholriS Bayarcl, William Lur- 
ting, John Cruger, Whitehead Hicks, be- 
fore the revolution ; during the time Nevv- 
York was in possession of the enemy, David 
Matthews ; and since the revolution, James 
Diiane, Richard Varick, Edward Living- 
ston, and Dew it Clinton. 

POPULATION. 

The population of the city and county, as 
found by the census taken under the authori- 
ty of the United States in 1800, amounted 
to somewhat more than 60,000. By an enu- 
meration made after the disappearance of 
the endemic and local sickness, in KOJ, 
by order of the common council, there was 
foimd to be an increase of fifteen thousand. 
This addition of people appears from the 
report of the city insjiector on the 4th Feb. 
1806. On that day, John Pintard, esq. in- 
formed the mayor, aldermen and commonal- 
ty that, "in conformity with the order of 
the common council, an enumeration had 
been taken of the jiu'ors in the city and 
county of New-York, agreeably to an " act 
of the Legislature for regulating trials of is- 
sues, and for returning able and siilficlent 
jarors," passed 31st March, 1801. Which 
enumeration also comprehends the number 
of inhabitants who retired from the city dur- 



34 



ing die prevalence of the malignant fever in 
1805, together with the total population :^' 





WI 


ite 


People 


of Colour 




1 






l7ihabita?its. 


andfre 


eNcgroea, 


Slaves. 


Total 


-g 


Males 


Fe- 


Males 


Fe- 
males 


M. 


Fern 




t: 




males 










3. St 


3422 


374i-; 


37 


':^7 


186' 249 


7679 


:^Vl 


3414 


3663 


72 


101 


118 


182 


7550 


3.:. 


3283 


3597 


106 


119 


104 


162 


7371 


4th 


4346 


4520 


70 


87 


68 


143 


9234 


5th 


o32Q 


5993 


358 


438 


^.5 


146 


12340 


6i.h 


4101 


4266 


183 


253 


59 


99 


8961 


7th 


8053 


7498 






38 


79 


1^668 


«th 


2420 


2134 


38 


61 


49 


70 


4772 


9th 


1025 


959 






111 


100 


2195 




35,384 


36,378 


864 


1096 


81Sjl230 


75,7r(} 












L 







Persons who r-etired from the city during the maligriant 
fever, in 1805. 



1st Ward 


6112 


6th Ward 


224 


2il do. 


5961 


7th do. 


2775 


.3d do. 


4152 


8th do. 


■ * 


4th do. 


4320 


9th do. 




5th do. 


3452 







26,996 
This population of the city alone, makes 
a considerable approach toward that of the 
whole commonwealth fifty years ago. This 
will he evident from the return of the general 
census in 175G; making the entire number 
of inhabitants in the government, no more 
than 96j765 soulso 



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under 16. 


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upx^ards. 




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Males above 


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56 

Tonnage of the Port, 



TO>rs» 



The tonnao-e of registered Vessels 
outstanding on the 30th June, 
1805, on the books of the cus- 
tom-house, amounted to 101,009 

The tonnag-e of enrolled vessels, to 

same date, 62.162 

The tonnage of licensed vessels 

under twenty tons, 3-, 170 



Tons 166,332 
June 30th, 1805, the registered 
tonnage may be estimated to 
amount to 115,685 

At the same time the enrolled ton- 
nage may be supposed to be 64',745 
And at that period, the licensed 
vessels, under 20 tons, may be 
set down at 3,241 



Tons 183,671 



Increase 17,338 
Making an increase during the last year of 
more than seventeen thousand tons of ship- 
ping ; and a large proportion of this addition- 
al tonnage, is of registered ships for the for- 
eign trade. 

The gross amount of New- York, tonnage 



37 

at the end of the year 1803, was 149,153 
tons. 

Duties Collected, 

The monies collected In New- York for 
the national treasury, for imports on mer- 
chandize and tonnage have, for several 
years, amounted to one fourth of the public 
revenue, 
In 1804, the gross revenue was 5,082,656 

The drawbacks were 1,901,517 

Neat revenue 3,181,139 

In 1805, the gross revenue was 6,866,168 
The drawbacks were 3,203,680 



Neat revenue 3,662,488 

In 1806, probable gross revenue 6,200,000 

Probable drawbacks 1,800,000 

Probable neat revenue 4,400,000 



Making an amount of four millions, and 
four hundred thousand, dollars of revenue, 



JS 

for the treasury of tlie United States, col- 
lected in the port of New-York, in one 
year. 



BANKS AND OFFICES FOR THE DIS^ 
COUNT OF BILLS AND DEPOSIT OF 
MONEY. 

1. The Bank of Ncxv-Vork, 

This is the oldest estahlishment of this 
kind in the city. It was formed soon after 
the termination of the revolutionary war, and 
proceeded to do business as a private corn- 
pan)', until IMarch 21st, 1791, when an act 
of incorporation was passed in its favour by 
the state legislature to endure until the se- 
cond Tuesday of May, 1811. It consists 
of a capital stock of 950,000 dollars, divid- 
ed into 1900 shares of 500 dollars each. — 
Of these 100 belong to the commonwealth. 
This company possesses a spacious building 
at the corner of Wall and William-streets. 
The whole estate was originally limited to a 
a million of dollars. By an act passed 17th 
February, 1797, this Bank was authorised to 
buy of the treasurer all the 6 per cent and 
4eterred stock belonging to the state, and. to 



S3 

sell the same and extend its credits thcrcir 
on. 

2. The Office of Discount and Deposit^ 

Established by the Bank of the United 
States ; commonly called the Branch Bank. 
The Bank of the United States was es- 
tablished by an act of Congress, incorpora- 
ting the subscribers thereto, passed on the 
second day of March, 179U 1 he act is 
in force until March 4, 1811. Its capi- 
tal stock is ten millions of dollars, divided 
into shares of 400 dollars each. Its legal stile 
is " The president, dir ctors and company 
'^ of the Bank of the United States." In the 
exercise of the powers given to them by the 
^fteenth section of the law, they have estab- 
lished branches of the central Bank at Phila- 
delphia, in different parts of the nation ; as at 
Boston, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, 
Charleston, and Orleans. There is one also 
established at New-York. This company does 
business at its commodious house in Wall- 
street, next dpor but one to the Bank of 
New-Yorkr 



40 
Office of Discount and Deposit^ 

Established by the Manhattan Company, 
callfd the Manhattan Bank. 

The state legislature passed an act on 
the second day of April, 1799, incorporating 
a company "• for supplying the city oi New- 
YorK with pure and wholesome water.'' 1 hey 
were allowed to raise a capital of 2,000,000 
dollars in 40,000 shares of 50 dollars each. — 
The corporation of New-York was enabled 
to hold 2,000 of them. After erecting the 
Water- Works, the company was further au- 
thorised to employ their surplus capital in 
any monied transactions or oj erations, not 
inconsistent with the constitution and laws of 
the state and of the United States. 1 he 
charter is unlimited as to time. The oHice 
is kept in Wall-street, about mid-way be^ 
tween the Bank of Ne\\-Y()rk and the City^ 
Hall. The concerns are managed by 13 
directors, of whom the City Recorder shall 
jdways be one, ex officio. 

Merchants' Bank. 

A company of stockholders associate^ 



41 

HTiderthls firm in 1803, and issued notes as 
a private association. Soon after, in 1804, 
the legislature passed an act to restrain unin- 
corporated banking associations. But dur- 
ing the session of the legislature in 1805, 
an act of incorporation was passed in their 
favour. Their stile is '* The president, direct- 
" ors and company of the Merchants' Bank, 
*' in New- York." Their capital stt ck amounts 
to 1,250,000 dollars, in 25,000 shares of 50- 
dollars each. Their office is in Wali-street, be- 
tween the Manhattan and New-York Banks. 
Their affairs are managed by 13 directo; r. — 
The treasurer of the state was directed to 
subscribe for 1000 shares upon condition of 
nothing being demanded for them by the 
company ; and the directors were authorised 
to assess the 50,000 dollars they were worth 
upon the stockholders. These shares are to 
remain a fund for the support of commoa 
schools, 

5. yersey Bank, 

Is is not foreign to the object of this work to 
^ention a monied institution established by 
a statute of the commonwealth of New-J©r« 



sey, during the winter of 1805. The build- 
ing is at Paulus-Hook, where the new city oi 
Jersey has been begun. Its capital is 
dollars, held in shares of dollars each. — 
The new city, though by an act of Congress, 
passed during the session of 1806, it is crea« 
ted a port of delivery, is not yet very popu- 
lous. Therefore the Bank is virtually a 
New- York establishment, though incorpora- 
ted by an act of a neighbouring state. 



INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

1. The United Insurance Ccmpcjuj, 

This company was incorporated by an act of 
the state legislature, on the 20di day of March, 
1798, calling them '''the United Insurance 
" Company, in the city of New- York." Its 
capital must not exceed 500,000 dollars,''in 
10,000 shares, of 50 dollars each. Their af- 
fau-s are managed by a president, and one or 
more assistants, chosen by the directors. — 
They are authorised to make insurances upon 
vessels, freight and goods, houses and stores, 
goods in houses and stores, furniture iri 



43 

houses, on lives, and for the ransom of per* 
sons in captivity ; and in cases of money lent 
upon bottomry, and respondentia. Their of- 
fice is kept in Wall-street, almost opposite 
the Branch Bank. 

2. Nexv-Tork Insurance Compamj. 

This existed from 1796 as a private asso- 
ciation ; but an act of incorporation was 
passed April 2d, 1798. It is entitled " The 
"■ New-York Insurance Company." Its cap- 
ital stock . consists of 500,000 dollars, in 
10,000 shares, of 50 dollars each. They 
have power to make insurance upon vessels, 
freight and goods, houses and stores, goods, 
in houses and stores, furniture in houses, 
upon lives, and for ransoming persons in 
captivity, and for lending money upon bot- 
tomry and respondentia. Their office is in 
Wall-street, between the New-York and the 
Branch Banks. 

3. Columbian Insurance Campamj, 

The legislature, on the 21 st March, 1801 , 
incorporated certain stockholders under the 
appellation of " The Columbian Insurance 
^^ Company." The capital stock is 500,000 



44 

tiollars, in 10,000 shares of 50 dollars each. 
Their affairs are conducted by a president and 
two assistants. They are empowered to make 
insurance on vessels, freight, and goods, on 
houses and stores, on specie, on goods and 
furniture in houses and stores, upon lives, 
and for the ransom of persons in captivity, to 
sell annuities, and in cases of money lent 
upon bottomry and respondentia. 1 heir of- 
fice is in Wall-street, nearly opposite the 
Tontine Coffee-House. 

4« Marine Insurance Company^ 

On the 16th March, 1802, an act was passr 
ed incorporating a society, under the name 
of'' The Marine Insurance Company of New- 
"' York." Their capital stock is 250,000 dol- 
lars, in 5,000 shares of 50 dollars each. — > 
They may make insurance on vessels, freights, 
money, and on all goods, wares and merchan- 
dizes. Their office is kept in Wall-street, al- 
most opposite that of the United Insurance 
Company. 

5. Commercial Insurance Company, 

By an act passed 4'th April, 1805, a compa- 
ny was incorporated under the title of " The 



s ' 45 

"* Commercial Insurance Company of Nevv- 
"■ York." It may hold property to the amount 
of 250,000 dollars. The shares are 1,000 in 
number, and the v^alue of each is 250 dollars. 
Its affairs are conducted by a president and 
two assistants, members of a board of 18 di- 
rectors. They may make insurance upon 
vessels, goods, wares, merchandize, freight, 
bottomrv, respondentia-interest, and all other 
marine risks. Their office is in Wall-street, 
liear the Branch Bank. 

6. Mutual Insurance Company. 

For the purpose of promoting the safety 
and insurance of houses, and other buildings, 
from loss by fire. The Mutual Assurance 
Company, of the city of New-York, was in- 
corporated on the 23d Pviarch, 1798, ivilh con- 
tinuance until 1818. It is not to hold real 
estate except for its immediate accommoda- 
tion, and by way of mortgage, or judgment 
for five years. All persons insured are deem- 
ed to be members. Affairs are managed by 
24 directors. These have power to make in- 
ternal regulations and bye-laws. Thev meet 
o}i the second Tuesday of every month, or of- 
ttner. They are authorised to insure from loss 
by fire, houses, stores, and other buildings 
v.'ithin the city of New- York, upon such terms, 



46 

in such places, and for such times as their bye- 
laws may prescribe. 

Seven directors form a quorum. The pre- 
sident, treasurer, secretary, and surveyor, are 
assigned their respective duties. On appHca- 
tion lor a policy, three dollars earnest-money 
must be paid, which is forfeited if the policies 
are not taken up within thirty days after they 
have decided thereon. Insurances are for se- 
ven years. The corporation allows their sur- 
veyor one dollar fifty cents for each survey j 
and the applicant for insurance pays two dol- 
lars twenty-five cents for policy and badge, 
and one dollar for making a transfer. Losses 
by fire are paid for on the principle of general 
average ; but in assessing the proportion 
which each member shall pay, regard shall be 
had in the estimate to the sum insured, and no 
one person shall be bound to pay above ten 
shillings for every hundred pounds insured, 
for their quota on the loss sustained at any 
single fire. The directors may reward meri- 
torious firemen. They do not insure against 
£res consequent upon invasion or insurrection 
at all ; nor against their occurrence in build- 
ings containing hazardous property, such as 
hemp, flax, tallow, pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, 
gunpowder, spirits of turpentine, shingles, 
hay^ straw, and fodder of all kinds ; nor any 



47 

bake-house, brew-house, sugar-house, still- 
house, cooper's or joiner's shop ; nor buildings 
where hazardous trades are carried on by che- 
mists, ship-chandlers, tallow-chandlers, stable- 
keepers, tavern-keepers, printers, malt-dryers, 
oil-men, and colour-men. The rates of insur- 
ance upon the ten rates of buildings for 
which the company issues policies, with the 
amount of deposit and premium on each, may 
be seen at large in the company's printed 
Charter and Bye-laws, pui^lished by James 
Oram, in 1798. Office is in Pine-street, near- 
ly opposite the French Church. 

7. Eagle Fire Company, 

A Body Corporate was formed 4th April, 
1 806, by^the name of" The Eagle Fire Compa- 
'■'• ny of New- York." It is established for the 
sole purpose of insuring against losses by fire, 
houses, and buildings of all kinds, and all 
manner of goods, chattels, and personal estate^ 
for such times and premiums as the company 
and the assured may agree upon. The capital 
stock consists of 500,000 dollars in 5000 shares 
of 100 dollars each ; but the company may, if 
they judge expedient, increase it to a million of 
dollars upon the like terms. Real estate for the 
accomodation of its officers mav be held to the a- 
mount of 40,000 dollars. Business is conducted 



48 

by thirteen directors, one of whom shall be the 
president. Seven with the president form a 
quorum. The president and directors may ap- 
point and pay officers, and make the necessary- 
bye-laws. Policies are to be under seal, and 
signed by the president and secretary. The 
assured may convey policies by consent of the 
company, i'he company may not trade, but 
may vest their capital or any part of it in the 
national funds. They will engage to make 
good, losses sustained by lightning, and will 
insure ships in port or their cargoes, and ships 
on the stocks and under repair, against hre. — • 
Their pohcies are not limited to the city, but 
may extend to any part of the country. 

No loss or damage b}- fire will be paid that 
may be the consequence of invasion, civil 
commotion, riot, military or usurped power. 
Nor will insurance be made upon books of ac- 
counts, written securities, notes, bills, bonds, 
deeds, ready money, or bullion. Jewels, plate, 
medals, or other curiosities ; paintings and 
sculptures are not included in any insurance 
unless the articles are specified in the policy. 

Soap-boilers, tallow-chandlers, brewers, malt- 
stores, bakers, rope-makers, sugar-refiners, 
distillers, chemists, varnish makers, stable- 
keepers, tavern-keepers, china, glass and earth- 
enware-sellers, oil and colour-men, turpentine 
works, paper-mills, printing-houses, coopers. 



49 

carpenters, and cabinet-makers, coach-makers, 
boat-builders, ship-chandlers, apothecaries, 
tlieatres, mills and machinery, and all manu- 
factories that use fire-heat, are deemed extra- 
hazardous, and must be particularly described 
in the policy ; and for all such risks an addi- 
tional premium is demanded. Losses are 
paid in 60 days after proof, without allowance 
of discount, fees, or any deduction whatever. 
To bind an insurance the premium must first 
be paid ; and insurance may be made for sev^en 
years by paying the premium for six. For a 
less number than seven a reasonable discount 
is allowed. The four classes of hazards, the 
rates of annual premiums of insurance, with all 
the conditions upon which this company trans- 
act business were printed by Collins, Perkins 
and Co. in 1806. The office is kept in Wall- 
street, just above the corner of Pearl-street. 

3. JVashington Mutual Assurance Company, 

On the 30th March, 1802, a corporation 
was erected by the name of " The Washington 
" Mutual Assurance Company," and to endure 
until the 1st March, 1805. They are not to 
hold any more real estate than is necessary for 
buildings to accommodate them, nor deal in 
trade, nor stockjobbing. All persons who in- 

E 



50 

sure are deemed members of the corporation* 
Their concerns are managed by 18 dh^ectors. 
They have the power to make the necessary 
bye-laws touching the disposition of their ef- 
fects and property, the duties and conduct of 
their officers, and all other matters appertain- 
ing to the object of the institution. They 
have also the power to appoint officers, clerks 
and servants, and to pay them for their ser- 
vices. Their object is to promote the safety 
and insurance of buildings from loss by fire. 
Directors meet the fourth Wednesday of every 
month, and oftener if need be ; and seven 
make- a quorum. Annual election is held on 
the second Tuesday in June. Directors 
choose a president out of their own body. — ~ 
Policies are signed by the president, and secre- 
tary, and sealed with the seal of the corpora- 
tion. They may insure against fire, houses, 
stores, and other buildings, upon such terms 
and for such times as the bye-laws or board of 
directors may prescribe. 

Insurances are made for not less than one, 
nor more than seven years. Persons insur- 
ing for less than five years must pay the whole 
premium, charges and deposit, at the time of 
m:>king the insurance ; and they who insure 
for five years and more, must pay down the 
whole of the premium and one-fourth part of 
the deposit, and pay the remaining three- 



SI 

fourths of the deposit in three annual instal- 
ments with interest at six per cent, to be ex- 
pressed in the policy. In case of losses to a 
greati-r amount than the money in the funds, 
the directors may demand payment sooner 
than the tinies expressed in the policies ; and 
persons not paying in thirty days forfeit their 
policies. The assured however shall always 
be paid their sums as mentioned in their poli- 
cies ; and the money due on the oldest policies 
shall be first demanded. 

There shall be insured in one policy but one 
house and kitchen, except where two or more 
small houses stand contiguous to each other, 
and do not exceed 1250 dollars in value ; and 
except v/here a stable or coach-house stand 
contiguous to the same lot of ground with the 
dwelling house ; and in these cases each build- 
ing is to be distinctly valued. 

The price of the policy and badge with the 
incidental services is two dollars, and of en- 
tering a transfer seventy- five cents. Two 
dollars and a half e^vrtKiSt- money must be 
paid towards the chai^ges 6i" such insurance, 
to be credited in case the insurance is effected 
in three months, and to be forfeited if not com- 
ph ted within that time. Though if the di- 
rectors agree not to make insurance, the earn- 
est money is returned. Policies are consider- 



52 

ed to be valid from the time that the charges 
of insuring, the premium and deposit money 
shall be paid or secured to be paid. Every 
person insuring in the company is bound to 
pay his proportion of all losses and charges, 
provided that this shall be in a ratio to the 
sum nisured, and that it shall not exceed forty 
cents upon a hunux ed dollars, for a single 
lire. 

These and other particulars, together with 
their ten classes of buildings, and the amount 
of premium and deposit on each, with the enu- 
meration of hazardous occupations and trades, 
are contained in the bye-laws, printed by E. 
Belden & Co. in 1802. 

Sugar-houses, brew-houses, bake-houses, 
still-houses, coopers' and joiners' shops, and 
houses where hazardous trades are carried on 
by chemists, ship-chan Jlers, tallow-chandlers, 
stable-keepers, minters, malt-driers, oil or co- 
lour-men ; or ..hich are used as stores for 
hemp, flax, tallow, pitch, tar, turpentine, rosin, 
gunpowder, spirits of turpentine, shingles, hay, 
strav/, fodder of all kinds, and corn unthresh- 
ed, will not be insured, but on such terms as 
may be specially agreed upon. Nor will the 
policies cover accidents consequent upon inva- 
sion or insurrection, nor houses in which 
more than twenty-: ^ht pounds of gunpowder 
was kept immedialei) before the fire. 



53 

Deposit-money Is returned on the expi- 
ration of the policies, losses and incidental 
charges only being deducted, provided it be 
demanded within a year. Losses are paid 
for in three months after notice ; but gilding, 
liistorical and landscape painting, and carving, 
are not allowed to be calculated. 

If any loss by a single fire requires a contri- 
bution of forty cents on every hundred dollars 
more than the premium and deposit, any mem- 
ber paying the same and giving up his deposits, 
may surrender his policy and be discharged 
from the company. 

The directors have power to reward extra- 
ordinary exertions of persons at fires. 

9. Phoenix Company of London. 

An office for insuring houses, buildings, 
stores, ships in harbour, goods, wares, and 
merchandize, from loss or damage by lire, has 
been opened in New- York, on account of the 
Phoenix Company of London. I'he reason 
of this extension of their plan to America, is 
alleged to be, the frequent applications for the 
insurance of property in the western world, 
that had been made to them in Great Britain ; 
and they therefore believed the object would be 
facilitated by the establishment of a branch of 
their institution in Nev/-York. 
E 2 



54 

In this company, no injured person is liable 
io any call to make good the losses of others : 
but, in case of ftre, the sufferer is fully indem- 
nified by the company. The company will 
make good losses on property burned by light- 
ning. The four classes of hazards, the rates 
of annual premium to be pjiid for assurance 
against fire, and the conditions on which poli- 
cies are entered into and agreed upon, are both 
in their great outlines, and in most of their 
details, the same as those of the Eagle Fire 
Insurance Compam', ah-eady described. 

yustkx's'' Court. 

For the more speedy recovery of debts, to 
the value of fifty dollars, between citizen and 
citizen ; of wages due to seamen by masters 
and owners ; and of demands of masters and 
owners against seamen, though in both cases 
the sums exceed fifty dollars ; and for trying 
all a' lions of assault, battery, and false im- 
prisonment, among masters of vessels, their 
officers and crews, cognizable in courts of com- 
mon law ; there are two courts established in 
New- York. They consist, each, of four jus- 
tices or judges, appointed by the st:»te-council. 

These eight magistrates have all the powers 
of justices of the peace, as to keeping the 
peace in the city and county. But they have 



55 

no power to hold sessions of the peace, or oi 
sitting as judges in anv court of sessions of the 
peace, held by the charter officers. They 
have, power to commit offenders to prison ; 
to take recognizance for their appearance ; 
for their keeping the peace, and for their good 
behaviour ; and to take recognizance for the 
appearance by witnesses against offenders, as 
other justices of law possess. They have also 
power to take affidavits and depositions, to be 
read in the supreme court ; and to take the al- 
iovv'ed fees for the same. 

One of these courts sits in the City-Hall, 
and has for its district the first, second and 
third wards. The other sits in a hall, not far 
from the new watch-house, at the head of 
Catherine street ; and includes for its district, 
the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth 
wards. Where both parties in a suit reside in 
the city, the action must be brought in the 
court of the district to which they belong. — 
And, where the plaintiii is a non-resident, the 
action must be brought in the court of the dis- 
trict in which the defendant resides. Jurors 
are taken from the respective districts to which 
the courts belong. 

Persons arrested on warrants, from either 
of these courts, while the court is not sitting, 
may be admitted to bail. If the deiiendant 
does not appear in court at the time mentioned 



56 

in the bond, and the plaintiff approves the bail, 
by accepting an assignment ol the lond, the 
officer may reiurn tne warrant in the same 
manner as if the defendant had been brought 
personaliy into court, in such cases the court 
may proceed in the same manner as ii the de- 
fendant had appeared and denied the plaintiit's 
charge by plea ; and the bail shall thereafter be 
liable to pay both debt and damages, witli 
costs ; unless the defendant gives suiFicient 
surety to pay the same in todays ; or surren- 
ders himself hi execution witiiin 48 hours Irom 
the time judgment is entered. Deiendants in 
ctistody, not giving bail or security, may be 
taken to gaol until the court sits. But the 
gaoler shall not detain any piisoner, upon such 
warrant, longer than 48 hours. 

Vv'hen a defendant is brought into court, 
and the court cannot immediately attend to 
his cause, he may give security to the clerk, 
for his appearance next day. If he does 
not do this, he may be carried to prison -5 
but the keeper shall not keep him beyond 48 
hours. 

Any one of the justices may, zv/iile the court 
is not sittings administer the oath of danger, 
grant execution, make any necessary order 
thi^reon, take confession of a defendant, enter 
judgment, and grant execution thereon, as ef- 
fectually as in open court. Executions arc 



57 

returnable in any time, not exceeding twenty 
clays. Money collected by the constable, in 
pursuance thereof, to be paid to the clerk. 
The clerks are to give bond in the penalty of 
two thousand five hundred dollars. Constables 
and marshals are to give bond in a penalty of 
five hundred dollars. And these bonds may 
be put in suit against clerks, constables and 
marshals, for deceit or misconduct. An ap- 
peal lies from the justice or justices, who tried 
the cause, to the whole bench of justices, any 
three of whom, excepting the justices who 
tried the cause, shall decide ; and if they de- 
ride in favour of the appellant, a ne^v trial 
shall be granted, by jurv, if required. — (Laws, 
April 4, 1803, and March 4, 1804./— Hie 
bill of fees, for services rendered in this court, 
are specially detailed in the 44th section of the 
latter of these statutes. In these courts a great 
number of suits are brought and settled. 

Aldermaii^s Court, 

By the charter, and by a law passed 24tli 
March, 1801, aldermen of the city are de- 
dared to be justices of the peace, and to have 
r.ognizance of civil cases to the amount of for- 
■y shillings. By virtue of their authority of 
justices, some of them, previous to the year 
17^1^ considered they had a right to try causeg 



58 



under the act for the recover ij of debts to the 
amount of twenty -five dollars^ as the justices 
have, who are appointed by the state council. 
But the legislature interposed, and restricted 
aldermen from the exercise of that power ; 
and appointed civil justices for the purpose. 
Aldermen are, therefore, confined to their 
chartered powers ; and as thtre are otheK 
courts established, seldom interfere with the 
forty-shilling causes. 

Police Office* 

A police oilice is held, daily, at the city-hall, 
for the more effectual discovery and apprehen- 
sion of offenders. The chancellor, justices 
of the supreme court, mayor, recordt^r and 
aldermen, whenever they shall deem the occa- 
sion to require it, may lawfully be in the office, 
and do all that shall appear requisite forthcmy 
as conservators of the peace. 

This ofiice is conducted by two special jus- 
tices, appointed for the city and county of 
New- York. They execute the authorities of 
justices, as conservators of the peace. They 
have a clerk, who is called the ckrk or the 
police office. The clerk, and one, at lea:.t, oi the 
justices, are constantly in attendance at the 
office, Sundays and convenient inteivals of 
refreshment, excepted. 



59 

All recognizances from parties to appear aucl 
msvver, or from witnesses to appear and tes- 
;iiy ; and all examinations of parties charged 
ivith offences taken elsewhere in the city than 
n the police ofRce, are to be lodged forthwith 
in the police office, by the chancellor, judge, 
iiavor, recorder, special justice, or other 
magistrate taking the same. Recognizances 
:aken in other counties, for the appearance of 
Darties and witnesses at any court in the city, 
ire transmitted from the magistrate taking the 
Bame, to the clerk of this office. Recogni- 
sances taken in this office, for the appearance 
3f parties or wilnesses at courts in other coun- 
ties, and depositions and examinations touching 
the papers lodged there, are transmitted by the 
derk to the clerks of the respective coimties. 
At every term of the supreme court, and at 
every sessions of oyer and terminer and gaol 
delivery, and of the peace, held in the city, 
the clerk delivers to the court all recognizances 
then in the police office, for the appearance of 
persons at the said courts respectively ; to- 
gether with all examinations and depositions, 
which shall then be in the police office, respect- 
ing offences charged to have been committed 
in the citv. 

The clerk's duty is to reduce to writing all 
examinations and depositions ; make out, in 
due form, all recognizances, warrants and 



60 

otber precepts ; and, generally, to perform aH 
such business of the office as shall be to be 
done in writing. He is to execute every such 
other reasonable service relating to his trust, 
as shall be required of him by the magistrate 
or magistrates, who, for the time being, shall at- 
tend in the office. And he is also to have the keep 
injr o" all recognizances, examinations, de- 
positions and other papers belonging to the 
police office. He is allowed certain fees for 
drawing affidavits, and performing some 
other services, specified in an act of March 
28, 1806. Certified copies of recognizances 
to keep the peace, taken before any court in 
the city, are fonhwitli lodged, by the clerk of 
such court, in the police ciTice. All recogni- 
zances from persons licensed to retail spirituous 
liquors in the city, are deposited there. The 
special justices are reqidred to be vigilant of 
the conduct of the several persons bound by 
recognizances. And if it appears, to either 
of the special justices, that there is probable 
cause for supposing the recognizances are for- 
feited, the clerk of the police shall thereupon 
estieat the same into the court of exchequer. 

It IS the duty of the special justices, or one 
of them, to examine all persons apprehended 
or detained in custody by the night-watch of 
the city ; and to make such order thereon, as 
the circumstances of the case and iustice re- 



61 

quire ; and to superintend and direct the dis- 
charge of the watch, every mornmg, after the 
service of the night is conchided. 

These two magistrates have, by virtue of 
their office, the same powers as are exercised^ 
out of the sessions, by aldermen of the citv, 
in relation to bastards, apprentices, servants, 
vagrants and vagabonds, arising within the 
city ; and may take recognizances ot special 
bail ; and administer oaths in causes depend- 
ing in the mayor's court of common pleas, and 
take aiBdavits to be read in the same. For 
these services they may receive the like fees as 
the aldermen. They may, also, take affidavits 
to be read in the supreme court, and take ac- 
knowledgments of the satisfaction of judg- 
ments in the same. The justices and clerk 
receive, each, 750 dollars per annum, paid out 
of the fund for defraying ihe contmgent charges 
of tlie city. And the common council may 
make them allowance, as they may judge ne- 
cessary and proper. The special justices, at 
present, are Jacob D.:iamontagnie, and Theo- 
philus Beekman. (See the act more effectually 
to discover and apprehend offenders in the cit^ 
of Nev/-York, passed 27th March, 1801.) 

Taxes. 

The mayor, recorder and aldermen of the 
r 



62 

citv, are the supervisors. They meet, annually, 
on the second Tuesday in July, and at other 
convenient times, to examine what sums of 
money are imposed on the citv for the main- 
tenance of the poor, defraying contingent 
charges, and other purposes" ; and cause the 
same to be raised as the money for the contin- 
gent charges of the other counties of the state 
are directed to be raised. 

The chamberlain is the city treasurer, and 
must give bond and be accountable as other 
countv treasurers are. Once a year he must 
exhibit a state of his accounts to the common 
council. He must pay money on the warrant 
of the mayor or recorder, by order of the 
common council. He retains seven mills iiva 
dollar, for his compensation in receiving and 
paying. He must publish, on the hrst Mon- 
day of December, every year, a statement of 
all the monies received by him, for the use of 
the city, and the purposes to which the same 
have been applied, as mentioned in such war- 
rants. 

Any five of the ma}'or, recorder and alder- 
men, of whom the mayor or recorder must 
always be one, may execute this law ; and all 
questions arising under it, are decided by a 
majority of votes of the attending members. 
The penalty for neglect of duty, is the same 
as for defaulting supervisors in the other coun- 
ties of the state. 



63 

n^ collectors of taxes are to pay the sums 
collected to the city treasurer, on the first 
Monday in every month, and oftener, if re- 
quired by him. They must exhibit to him, 
their assessment rolls, when he shall demand 
them, for the inspection of the mayor, alder- 
men and commonalty ; under a penalty of 250 
dollars for each default. 

Wells and Pumps, 

On the first Tuesday of May, annually, the 
mayor, recorder and aldermen, or any five of 
them, of whom the mayor or recorder shall 
always be one, are authorised to appoint one 
or more fit inhabitants for each ward of the 
city, to be overseers of the wells and pumps 
in their respective wards, for the en^juing 
year. Their duty is to cause the wells and 
pumps to be viewed, examined, cleansed, and 
put in good order and repair, and to maintain 
them so ; and to keep regular accounis of the 
money expended for the same. In case of 
neglect of duty, the overseers may be each 
fined five pounds, for the use of the city. 
They are to account with the common council 
once in three months. Persons wilfully in- 
juring the wells or pumps, are, on conviction, 
to be fined 40 shillings ; or, on refusal or in- 
ability to pay the same, they are to be ^om- 



64 

mitted to bridewell for a month, or until t'h(t 
ibrfeiture and costs are paid. When servants 
or apprentices do damage to the pumps or 
wells, the fine shall he paid by the !!i\is( r or 
owner ; and in default thereof, the ofF^nder 
shall be sent to bridewell. — (Revised Laws of 
New-York, vol. 2. p. 89.) 

Public Roads, 

The common council have power to act as 
commissioners to regulate and k'-^ep in repair 
the present public roads and iiighwavs ; and 
to lay out, regulate and keep in repair others, 
when necessary. They mav widen an-i alter 
highways, and lay out new ones ; pavinej for 
the lands taken for those purposes such prices 
as they may agree for, or as may be assessed 
hy a jury of inquirv. 

The road to Kingsbridge must be, at least, 
four rods wide. The commissioners have 
power to construct cause wavs, bridges and 
ditches ; and to appoint overseers, and employ 
labourers to keep them in repair. 

Persons wilfully obstructing or damae;ing 
the roads, or leaving broken carriages, dead 
bodies of animals, or other nuisances in them, 
may be fined 40 shillings, to be apnlied to the 
repairing of the roads. The overseers are to 
take immediate order for removing nuisances. 



65 

to detect and convict offenders ; and, besides 
the fine and cost, to compel them to pay the 
charge of removal, with a reasonable compen- 
sation to the overseer, for his trouble. The 
process against offenders is by warrant, and 
not otherwise. And, on conviction, execu- 
tion shall be against goods and chattels ; and 
for want of them, against the body, in a prompt 
summary way. Persons destroying trees, in 
the road, maybe compelled to pay three pounds 
for each. And persons travelling northward, 
or out of the city, are to yield anc! give the 
road to those who are coming southward, or 
into the city, under a penalty of 40 shillings 
for every offence. — (State Laws, March 21, 
1787.) 

Storing of Gim-Poxvdct\ 

No greater quantity than 28 pounds of gun- 
powder to be kept in any one place, within one 
mile northward of the city-hall. '1 he 28 
pounds shall be separated in lour stone jugs, or 
tin cannisters, neither of which shall contain 
more than 7 pounds. Persons keeping more 
than 28 pounds in one place, or not dividing, 
as directed into parcels, forfeit one hundred 
and twenty-five dollars, for every hundred 
weight ; and in that proportion for every 
greater cr less quantity, to be recovered with 
* r 2 



66 

costs. The suit, however, must be brought 
within two months from the time the offciice 
was committed. Commanders of vessels, 
bringing gun-powder, are required to land and 
store it within 24 hours after arriival, and be- 
fore she hauls in beside any wliarf, on pain of 
forfeiting the whole. 

All gun-powder, carried or carted through 
the streets, must be in tight casks, well headed 
and hooped, and entirely covered by bags or 
leather cases, so that no grains may be scat- 
tered ; under pain of foneiture, in case of 
transgression of the rule. When there is 
oath made of reasonable cause of suspicion 
that gun-powder is unlawfully concealed, the 
magistrates may issue search warrants to look 
for the same, in the day-time, both on ship- 
board and ..on shore. Packets and ships of 
war are exceptions. Vessels, also, aVe exempted 
from the search, which lie one hundred yards 
from the wharf or shore. 

Any quantity of gun-powder, exceeding 
28 pounds, if found b}/ any fireman, during 
any fire or alarm of fire, may be seized with- 
out warrant, and condemned by the magis- 
trates, to the us^ of such fireman. 

Prevention of Fins, 

Buildings, of all kmds, within certain limits 



67 

prescribed by law, nT^'>t be constructed of 
stone or brick, with party or fire-walis, rislnpf/ 
at least, six inches above the roof ; and must 
be covered, except the flat roof thereof, v/ith 
tile, slate, or othcM* incombustible materials, 
and not with boards or shingles. Proprietors 
may be lined 500 dollars, for offending against 
this provision, and builders 250. All build- 
ings, within certain other limits, which are 
more than 25 feet high from the ground to the 
foot of the rafter, are to be constructed in like 
manner, of similar materials. Offences against 
this regulation, are punishable by a forfeiture 
of 400 dollars, by the owner, and 200 by the 
builder. 

Buildings, erected contrary to these direc- 
tions, are declared, by law, to be public nui- 
sances. Justices of the supreme ^court, of 
oyer and terminer and gaol delivery, and of 
the general sessions of the peare, are to charge 
grand juries to present all violations of these 
regulations. In cases of conviction, they are 
to adjudge such fines and penalties as they may 
think proper ; and in their discretion, cause 
the nuisance to be abated and removed. Build- 
ings, already erected, may be roofed with the 
like materials as before. Roofs and steeples 
of churchc's, may be roofed with shingles ; aad 
small privies, fire-engine houses and lime- 
houses, mav be buiU of wood and boards. 

No greater quantity of brimstone than 



68 

half a ton, nor of hemp or fiax than one 
whole ton can be stored within the limits to 
which magazines of gunpowder are restrict- 
ed without leave specially obtained from the 
Common Council, under a penalty of twen- 
ty-five dollars for each oflence. 

Pitch, tar, turpentme, rosin, spirits of tur- 
pentine, linseed oil, and shingles, are prohib- 
ited to be put in any place within the aforesaid 
limits, other than such as the Common Coun- 
cil shall approve, under penalty of twenty- 
five dollars for each offence. 

Persons firing guns, rockets, squibs, or 
other fire-works, in the city, are liable to a fine 
of two dollars and fifty cents for each offence, 
and masters are liable for the transgressions 
of their slaves, — (Laws, 21st March, 1801.) 

The system adopted for further preventing 
and extinguishing Fires, 

Pursuant to a law of the state, the Com- 
mon Council appoint a sufficient number of 
citizens, who are freeholders or free men of 
the city, who voluntarily engage in the ser- 
vice, to be firemen. i hese are to have the 
care and management of the Fire-Engines, 
and other tools and instruments for extin- 
guishing fires. And they are to be ready at 
ail times, both by night and dv^y to execute 



6-9 

the duties of firemen. That they may be 
the better prepared tor this prompt and ac- 
tive business, they are during their contin- 
uance as firemen, exempted from serving as 
constables, jurors, or militia-men ; except 
•when in the latter capacity invasion or immi- 
nent danger may require their enrolment. 
Their names must be registered with the 
clerk, and they may be removed by the Com- 
mon Council. 

The Common Council has authority to 
make rules and orders for the government 
of the firemen, and for their breach, to im- 
pose fines and penalties. 

In cases of fire breaking out, it is the duty 
of the sheriff, constables and marshals, to 
repair to the place with their badges of au- 
thority, and there assist in extinguishing the 
fire, in causing the inhabitants to work, in 
preventing the stealing of goods, in seizing 
such persons as steal or pilfer, and in assisting 
to remove and save goods, furniture, and pro- 
perty. In the performance of these duties 
they shall obey the orders of the mayor, re- 
corvier, and aldermen, or such of them as 
shall be present. 

The inhabitants are oblic:ed to pnu'ide 
leather buckets U) be kept in their houses, for 
the purpose of conveying water to fires ; and 
for neglect of this they may be fined. If 



70 

these buckets are lost or destroyed at fires, 
the Common Council will, in certain cases, 
replace them. 

By ordinance of the Common Council the 
firemen consist of engineers, fire-wardens, 
3 hook and ladder-men, 4 other hremen ; 
and they receive their appointments from 
that authiritw 

1st. — Of the first division, one is called 
the Chief Engineer, In all cases of fire, this 
officer has the controul and command over 
the other engineers and firemen of every 
class. In this, however, he is subject to the 
orders and directions of any member of the 
Common Council. Under this controul, the 
Engineers shall take proper measures for 
working the engines and extinguishing fires. 
The chief engineer must make a report in 
May and November, of the exact condition 
of the engines, buckets, and other fire appa- 
ratus belonging to the city. He shall cause 
all necessary repairs to be made. And after 
fires are extinguished shall cause the buckets 
to be collected and conveyed to the City-Hall, 
that the citizens may find their own. 

Second. — In each ward, a certain number 
of the firemen are assigned to htjirc-ivard- 
ens. Their duty is, immediately on an alarm 
of fire to repair to the place, and jointly, witli 
the engineers and members of the Common 



71 

Council, to direct and aid the inhabitants in 
forming ranks, handing buckets and the like* 
They are required also, yearly, in Septem- 
i:)er, and October, to examine the buildings 
in their respective wards, and see that they 
are properly furnished with buckets ; they 
shall exatTtiine fire-places, chinineys, stoves, 
pipes and ash-holes, and direct what shall be 
done to render them safe. 

Third — The hook and ladder-men are 
divided into companies, and choose out of 
their o.v^n number a foremen, assistant, and 
clerk. On an alarm of fire they are to con~ 
vey their instruments to the place, and employ 
them under the direction of the common 
council-men and engineers. 

Fourth. — -The other firemen are divided 
into companies, one of which is assigned to 
each engine. They each elect from their 
own body a foreman, assistant, and clerk. — 
Their duty is, on the breaking out of fire to 
repair immediately to their engines, and draw 
them to the place ; and there to work and 
manage them according to the directions they 
shall receive. 

At fires, the mayor, recorder, aldermen, 
and assistants, are distinguishable by their 
white wands with a gilded flame at the top ; 
the engineers by white leather painted caps, 
with gilded fronts, and aa enojins painted 



72 

thereon, and with black speaking trumpets ; 
the fire-wardenshysimilarcaps,with the crown 
painted black and the city arms in front, and 
white speaking trumpets. When fire is dis- 
covered to be raging, the watchmen of one 
station shall communicate it to those of an- 
other, and also to each of the members of 
the common council, engineers, and wardens, 
within their respective districts as their cap" 
tain may direct. And make an alarm to the 
citizens by an outcry of fire as they pass 
from place to phice. 

Wharves and Wharfage, 

The rates of wharfage are fixed by a law 
of the commonwealth, passed 31st March, 
1801. If a vessel is repairingor careening, 
she must pav one third more. The money 
may be collected by wharfingers app(3intcd 
by the proprietors. In ease of differences as 
to the burthen of vessels, reference is made 
to the wardens of the port, whose judgment 
is final. The exj^ense of this reference is 
paid by the party against whom the decision 
is made. Masters of vessels, or in their ab- 
sence, consignees, whether factors or agents, 
are accountable for wharfage. Wharfage 
may be levied by distress upon the goods 
and;chattels on board. Vessels, if the ma^- 



ter or owner refuses or neglects to pay : and 
be repeated every twenty-four hours. The 
goods are to be disposed of in the same 
manner as in cases of distress for rent in ar- 
rears. 

If ballast is discharged into any dock or 
on any wharf without leave, the master for- 
feits two dollars and a half with costs, for 
each offence ; and if he does not remove the 
same, he maybe compelled to pay for every 
day's neglect, ihe same sum as by law is 
chargeable for the wharfage of the vessel* 
Persons throwing obstructions into docks 
from vessels under repair, forfeit five dol- 
lars with costs for each offence. If owners, 
factors or agents do not in reasonable time 
remove goods or obstructions from wharves, 
such goods or property may be removed by 
proprietors of wdiarves, or their wharfingers, 
who may keep them in custody until the char- 
ges of removal and storage are paid. 

Buildings^ Streets^ Wharves and Slips. 

The common council have power to make 
bye-laws and orders for regulating and uni- 
forming buildings : andfor regulating streets, 
wharves and slips. They may appoint two 
or more surveyors, to see that all buildings, 
streets, wharves and slips which are laid ouc 



and altered in the city, be regulated wiih 
uniformity for the acconimodaiion of habi-= 
tatibns, shipping, trade and commerce, con- 
formably to the bye-laws and orders. 

The common council may also prevent en- 
croachments by buildings ; and may take 
ground belonging to Individuals for the u^e 
of streets and slips, paying such damages 
thereior as shall be assessed by a jury. 

In pursuance of their powers, they have 
laid out and extended streets on both sides 
oi the city, parallel with the East imd North 
rivers ; and compelled the proprietors olthe 
lots adjoining the streets and rivers to fill up 
and level the same at their own expense ; in 
consideratioti of which expense they are to 
enjoy the advantages and emoluments of the 
improveinents made. If proprietors do 
not comply with such orders for making 
ground and filling in water-lots, the common 
couiicu may cause the same to be done and 
charge the proprietors with the expense M'ith 
lawful interest. And if this is not paid m 
eighteen months, the same may be levied 
with interest, costs and charges, by distress 
and sale of their goods and chattels. In ad- 
dition to this, such sums as are thus expend- 
ed become liens and charges on the proper- 
ty assessed, and bear lawful interest until 
paid* They niay also order piers and bridge^ 



75 

to he made into the rivers for the accotn- 
inodntion of vessels ; and if the adjoining- 
proprietors do not comply, mav construct 
them themselves and receive wharfage ard 
profits to their own use. They may, in their 
discretion, grant a common interest in such 
bridges and piers, to the proprietors of the ad- 
jacent lots, in proportion to their breadth in 
front. On these extreme streets, piers and 
br'ulp:ps, no buildings whatever are to be erect- 
ed ; but thev are to he forever left open for 
business. (Act, 3d April, 1801.) 

Sewers, 

Common council may cause sewers,' 
drains and vaults to be made, and streets 
paved, and the same to be cleansed. 1 he 
exnenses thereof are assessed among the in- 
habitants intended to be benefited, by five 
disinterested freeholders. The sums so as- 
ses'^ed are liens or charges on the respective 
lot^i and their improvements ; and the o^\ nt rs 
are moreover liable to a personal action.— 

Lots. 

When a general regulation is made in any 
part of the city for raising, reducing, level- 



76 

ing or ferscing in any vacant or adjoining 
lots, and the proprietors do not comply, an 
estimate is made of the whole expense in re- 
lation to each lot included in the impending 
regulation, by five freeholders ; and the own- 
ers are publicly called upon for payment. In 
default of payment the lots are sold at pub- 
lic auction for a term of years to reimburse 
the expense ; and the surplus remains in the 
city treasurer's hands for the use of the own- 
er or his legal representatives. If owners 
of lots do not raise, fill up, reduce or level 
their lots conformably to the regulations, the 
common council may order the same to be 
done, and the amount of expense with law- 
ful interest, is a lien on the lots respectively 
until paid, (Ibid, J 

Chamber of Commerce. 

On the 5th April, 1768, twenty merchants 
met in the city oi New-York, and formed 
themselves into a voluntary association, which 
they called *'The New- York Chamber of Com- 
merce." On the 2d of May, 1769, they re- 
ceived a message of thanks from the House of 
Assembly, to the merchants of the citv and 
colony, for their patriotic conduct in declining 
the importation of goods from Great Britain, 
at that juncture. The words of the speaker. 



on this occasion, were the following : " I have 
" it in charge, from the General Assembl) , to 
" give the merchants of this city and colony, 
" the thanks of the house, for their repeated, 
" disinterested, public spirited and patriotic 
" conduct, in declining the importation or re- 
" ceiving of goods from Great Britain, until 
" such acts of Parliament as the General As- 
" sembly had declared unconstitutional, and 
" subversive of the rights and liberties of the 
" people of this colony should be repealed." 

On the 13th March, 1770, during the ad- 
ministration of Dr. Golden, as lieutenant 
governor of the province, a charter was grant- 
ed to the society, by the name of *' the Cor- 
poration of the Chamber of Commerce, in 
the city of New- York, in America." I'hey 
are enabled to hold property not exceeding a 
clear yearly value of 3000 pomids sterling, 
per annum. The objects are, to enable them 
the better to carry into execution, encourage 
and promote, by just and lawful ways and 
means, such measures as will tend to promote 
and extend, just and lawful commerce : and 
to provide for, aidand assist, at their discretion, 
such members of the corporation as may here- 
after be reduced to poverty, and their widows 
and children. They are to hold an annual 
meeting on the first Tuesday of ^!ay ; and a 
monthly meeting the first Tuesday of each 
month. No act, in any meeting, is valid, 
g3 



unless the president, one of the vice presidents, 
and twenty other of the members are ])resent. 
The merchants, in their address to the gover- 
nor, for his condescension in allowing the 
charter, observed, among other things, that 
they are thereby enabled to execute many plans 
of trade, which, as individuals, they could 
not before accomplish ; and promised them- 
selves many and great advantages to the colony 
from their incorporation. 

The chamber, by its charter, is authorised 
to make regulations for the government ot the 
officers and members ; and for regulating all 
its o.her affairs, with penalties for the vio- 
lation of them. By the 13th of these bye- 
laws, enacted 10th May, 1769, a committee 
ot five members is to be appointed at eacli 
monthly meeting, to adjust and determine all 
mercantile disputes, which may be referred to 
them. And the secretary is directed to cause 
the names of this monthly committee, to be 
published in one of the public newspapers, for 
the information of those who may wish to 
submit any disputes to their decision. Mem- 
bers named on this commi-tee, and neglecting 
to attend, when summoned by the chairman, 
shall pay the treasurer one dollar for each ne- 
glect. No person can be admitted a member 
but merchants and insurance-brokers. 

Committcs must report to the chamber, at 



79 

the next stated meeting after their time of ser- 
vice is ended, the several objects of dispute 
which have been referred to their decision, 
with the names ot the parties, together with 
the arguments and principles upon which their 
adjudications have been founded, to the end 
that they may be recorded by the secretary, 

if members of the chamber, refuse to sub- 
mit all dis})uted m.atters oi accounts between 
each other, to the final arbitration and deter- 
mination, either ol the monthly committee, or 
such members as may be chosen by the par- 
ties, they may be punished by expulsion. The 
members will receive gold and silver at the rate 
established by the bank of the United States. 
Bills of exchange, drawn upon any of the 
West-India Islands, Newfoundland, or the 
foreign possessions in America, and returned 
protested for non-payment, shall be paid with 
10 per cent damages, on demand, at the cur- 
rent exchange, when the bill, with the protest, 
is presented either to the drawer or indorser 
theieof. 

Bills of exchange, drawn on any part of 
Europe, shall be paid in like manner with 20 
per cent damages. 

The chamber has published, also, regula- 
tions for estimating the tonnage of bulky arti- 
cles, for correcting mistakes in freight, and 
for fixing inland and foreign commissions. — ■ 



80 

For further details, reference may he had to 
the " bye-laws, resoiutions and orders, print- 
ed by Archibald McLean, 1796." 

On the 7th May, 1771, the chamber, on 
the motion of Mr. W. Walton, resolved 
unanimously, to procure a portrait of Doctor 
Golden, at their own expense, to decorate 
their hall, to testify their gratitude to him 
for his goodness in granting them a charter. 
This picture is still extant in the upper long- 
room of the Tontine Coffef -House, where the 
chamber holds its meetings. 

By an act of the state legislature, passed 
13th April, 1784, all the privileges granted 
in the charter are fully confirmed and perpe- 
tuated. 



INSPECTIONS OF NATIVE PRO- 
DUCE. 

1. Inspection cf Lumber. 

If any person, shall put on board any ship 
or vessel, for exportation to a foreign market, 
any lumber that has not been inspected by- 
one of the authorised public inspectors, he 
incurs a forfeiture of fifty cents, for every 
thousand i'eet superficial measure, and four 
dollars for every thousand feet cubic mea- 
sure J 10 be recovered with costs, one half to 



81 

the prosecutor, and the other to the poor of 
the town. If any person, other than lawful 
inspectors, usurp the powers of inspectors, 
and be convicted thereof, he forfeits to the 
inspectors ten dollars for each offencr.. 

The inspectors of the city of New-York, 
are appointed by the state council, and are 
not less than seven, nor more than ten in 
number. One of them is a superintendant — 
he must keep anofiice, at which applications 
for inspectors must be made, except in cases 
where the quantity shall not exceed five thou- 
sand superficial feet. He receives one tenth 
or one seventh, as the case may be, f)f the fees. 

The superintendant may convtn-. the in- 
spectors as often as he shall think proper, 
and whh the consent of a majority of them, 
establish needful regulations for executing 
the law for the inspection of lumber, passed 
30th March, 1805. Inspectors are prohib- 
ited from doing their duty by deputy, and 
from buying and selling lumber, except for 
their own use? 

They must mark with a marking iron on 
all lumber by them inspected, the number of 
cubic or superficial feet contained therein ; 
except on mahogany, red-cedar and live-oak, 
the number of feet on which shall be express- 
ed on their bills, severallv annexed to the 
number of each log. All raft-timber shall be 



82 

immbered, and the bills made in like man- 
ner. Their fees are, on all raft-timber, 
inspected and measured, 14 cents for every 
ton of 40 cubic feet, and for measuring only, 
6 cents for the like quantity : For every 
1000 feet superficial measure of boards, 
plank and scantling, 37 1-2 cents ; for every 
thousand superficial measure of mahogany, 
one dollar. The parties mav compromise 
in cases not explicitly mentioned in the act. 

They must measure the full length and 
bigness of raft-timber and spars, except in 
cases where by express agreement they are 
rcq lired both to measure and inspect. And 
in all su^n cases there shall be no other de- 
duction than for the quantity which is un- 
sound. In their bii^s the inspectors shall 
state whether the timber has been measured 
and inspf^cted or measured onlv. 

This statute will expire on the 1st April, 

isor. 

lVe7gh'Maste7's. 

Wei frh-m asters are appointed and displac- 
ed by the common council, in as great num- 
ber as they mav think necessarv. They may 
also fix and alter tlieir compensations. Before 
entering upon ofrice, weigh-masters must take 
an oath of fideiitv* 



83 

^» Inspection of Staves and Headings 

The council of appointment make an In^ 
sptctor-general of staves and heading for the 
city and county of New-York, By tht Scinie 
authority eight or more cullers are appoint- 
ed, for ihe same district. Neither the in- 
spector, general nor the cullers are permitted 
to buy or sell staves or heading, lor them- 
selves, or as agents for others, under a penal- 
ty of 50 dollars for each offence ; unless they 
happen to be coopers, and purchase stock for 
their own use in carrying on their business. 

The inspector-general is required to su- 
perintend the cullers, and cause them to ex- 
ecute the law faithfull}^ 

The cullers must follow the instructions 
of the inspector-general, and once a month 
make a return to him of the quantity of staves 
and heading they have culled, the diffeix nt 
kinds, and to whom belonging. They may 
be displaced by the inspector-general for neg- 
ligence, incapacity, mal-practices or abuse 
of trust ; and others be appointed by him un- 
til the pleasure of the council shall be known. 
In case of death among the cullers, he may 
fill up vacancies ad interim. Where any d s- 
pute arises respecting the culling of staves 
and heading, it shall De submitted to the in- 



84 

spector-general, who shall determlhe fmallV 
thereon. 

Any person putting staves or heading on 
board a vessel for exportation without inspec- 
tion, forfeits two dollars and 50 cents for ev- 
ery thousand, and the owner five dollars, to 
be recovered with costs. Persons who ship 
for exportation condemned scaves or head- 
ing, forfeit five dollars for each offence. 

The inspector-general is to report annual- 
ly to the governor, for the information of the 
legislature, what amendments appear to be 
necessary in the law, and the number and 
kinds of the staves and heading culled in the 
city of New- York. He has also power to 
search vessels, on which there is suspicion 
that uncuUed staves or heading, or condemn- 
ed ones shall have been shipped for exporta- 
tion, and if he discovers any such, to order 
them to be relanded for inspection. Any 
persons obstructing him may be compelled 
to pay 50 dollars for each offence. 

I3isputes between bu3^ers and sellers, re- 
specting the culling by the culler who was 
originally employed, are conclusively settled 
by reference to two other cullers, one chosen 
by the buyer and the other by the seller. 

The compensation of the inspector-gene- 
ral is ten cents for each thousand merchanta- 
ble staves and heading, one half paid by the 



85 

buyer and the other half by the seller ; and 
for all that are culled out and are not mer- 
chantable, five cents a thousand, to be paid 
by the owner. 

The pay of the cullers is as follows ; for 
every thousand pipe-staves 62 1-2 cents ; 
for every thousand staves and heading 50 
cents ; for every thousand barrel-staves 37 
1-2 cents ; for every thousand long butt- 
staves one dollar and 50 cents ; and for eve- 
ry thousand short butt-staves one dollar and 
25 cents ; one half to be paid by the buyer 
and the other half by the seller. And for all 
that are culled out and are not merchantable, 
the cullers receive half price, to be paid by 
the owner. 

3. Inspection of Pot and Pearl Ashes. 

Inspectors of pot ashes and pearl ashes are 
provided for the city of New-York, w^ho are 
not to be fewer than two nor more than six 
in number. They shall not act by deputy, 
but do their business in person. They are 
to inspect all those alkaline salts, before ex- 
portation, by starting the same out of the 
casks and carefully examining the same, and 
distributing them into different sorts if ne- 
cessary. They are to put each sort by it- 
self into tight casks well hooped and cooper- 



86 

ed, and brand on them the words First 
>soRT, Second sort, or Third sort. Pot 
ASHES or Pearl ashes, as the case may be, 
in plain legible characters ; together with 
the inspector's name and the place of inspec- 
tion, at full length, on each of the casks. — 
They must also weigh and inscribe with a 
marking iron on each cask the gross weight 
and tare thereof. For all which service they 
are entitled to nine cents a hundred weight, 
half to be paid by the buyer and half by the 
seller. But they shall not brand any cask 
that is not twnity-nine inches long, nineteen 
inches in diameter at each bead, full bound, 
made of white oak staves and heading, or of 
such other timber as they shall think proper, 
and also sound and tight. 

In cases of fraud by mixtures of stones, 
lime, salt or other adulterating ingredients 
with the alkalies at market, the inspector 
shall brand the cask with the words condemn- 
ed ; and be paid for inspection at the same 
rate as if they were good. And if any per- 
son offers for sale sucn alkalies for any other 
than condemned^ he incurs a penalty of 25 dol- 
lars for each offence. Persons mixing such 
foreign substances, forfeit 20 dollars for each 
offence. 

Inspectors may search vessels for alkaline 
salts, and if they find any casks on board not 
branded according to law, they are forfeited. 



87 

and the inaster incurs a penalty of 12 dollars 
and 50 cents. Any person obstructing the 
inspector when on a search shall pay 25 dol~ 
lars. 

Pot ashes and pearl ashes that have under- 
gone inspection in Albany, or any other place 
on Hudson river, where inspectors have been 
appointed, may be exported from New-York, 
without a re-inspection. 

Inspectors delaying to inspect these alka- 
line salts for a longer time than three hours 
after application, unless they are actually em- 
ployed in the duties of their office, forfeit 
two dollars and 50 cents to the person de- 
layed. Persons counterfeiting brand marks 
forfeit 125 dollars, for each offence. (Laws 
of New-York, 7th April, 1801, and March 
Sd, 1B02.)— - 

4. Inspection of Soal Leather. 

Inspectors of soal leather are commission«r 
ed for the city, under authority of the coun- 
cil of appointment. All soal leather for use 
shall be previously inspected, unless it shall 
have been already inspected at Albany, Sche- 
nectady or Hudson. The inspectors must 
seal and v/eigh it. If offered without having 
been inspected, the seller forfeits five dolhsrs 
for each offence. For inspecting, sealing^ 



and weighing er.ch side of soal leeither, the 
inspectors receive four cents, one half to be 
paid by the seller and the other half by the 
buyer. The inspector shall mark the inspec- 
ted as good and merchantable leather with 
his name and place of residence ; and coun- 
terfeiters of these marks, forfeit fo; each of- 
fence 25 dollars. Leather not pastiing in- 
spection as good, may nevertheless be used 
for all other purposes except making shoes, 
boots and buckets. Such unmerchantable 
leather shall be marked Bad* Persons work- 
ing up soal-leather at all before inspection, 
or making it into shoes, boots or buckets af- 
ter it is marked bad^ forfeit for every offence 
25 dollars. (Laws N. Y. 6di April, 1801.) 

5. Inspection of Flour and Meal, 

An inspector of flour and meal is appoint- 
ed by the state council for the city ot New- 
York ; and he may, by writing, under his 
hand and seal, appoint as many deputies as 
he thinks necessar*, and remove them at plea- 
sure. The inspector in New-York may ap- 
point a deputy in Kings County to inspect 
all flour and meal intended for exportation in 
the county ; which articles, vhen so inspect- 
ed there, may be exported in the same man- 
ner as if inspected in the city. 



89 

All wheat-flour, rye-flour, Indian-meal 
and buckwheat meal must be approvtd and 
branded by the inspector or one of his depu- 
ties before shipment for exportation. No 
Indian meal shall be branded for exportation 
unless it is manu actured from maize proper- 
ly kiln-dried, and ground fine and bolted. 

The four sorts of flour and meal just men- 
tioned must be packed in good casks of oak 
or other suitable timber, secured with ten 
hoops properly nailed. These barrels shall 
he of but two sizes, one to contain 196lbs. of 
flour or meal with staves 27 inches long and 
heads 16 1-2 inches wide; and the other to 
contain 98 lbs. with staves 22 inches long and 
heads 14 inches wide, or die staves 27 inches 
long and the heads 12 inches wide. They 
must be as nearly straight as may be for the 
convenience of stowage ; and their weight 
must be inscribed on one of the heads with a 
marking iron. 

Each barrel of flour, and of meal must be 
branded with the whole surname and the ini- 
tials of the christian name of the manufactur- 
er ; together with the nett weight, of 196 lbs. 
or 98 lbs. contained in each barrel. In ad- 
dition to which, manufactured wheat which 
is intended to be of the first quality must be 
branded superfine, that of the second qual- 
ity FINE, that of the third quality fine 



90 

MiDLiNGs, and that of the fourth qualityMiD- 
LiNGs. Barrels of manufactured Rye inten- 
ded for first quality must be branded super- 
fine RYE-FLOUR, and of the second quality 
FINE RYE-FLOUR. On cach barrel of manu- 
factured maize shall be branded Indian 
MEAL. And on each barrel of manufactured 
buckwheat shall be branded e. meal. All 
this must be done before either is offered for 
inspection. 

Indian meal, however, maybe packed in 
hogsheads of eight hundred pounds, and be 
then duly inspected and passed for exporta- 
tion. 

There is a penalty of fifty cents a pound 
for the false-taring of barrels less than the 
true weight, and any inspector having reason 
to suspect that casks are tared falsely may 
ascertain the fact by examination. 

After the barrels are found to be construct- 
ed and marked according to law, the inspec- 
tor, if he finds the same to correspond with 
the contents, is to signify it by branding his 
name and the cotuity where the inspection 
is made, on the quarter in a distinguishable 
manner. And when the brands of the manu- 
facturer do not in his judgment correspond 
to the kind and quality of the contents of the 
barrels, he must alter the same so as to make 
them describe the real quality. 



91 

It is also the duty of the inspector to 
•^veigh barrels which he suspects of being too 
light, and if they are not found to contain 
the true weight, he shall mark the heads with 
the word |Light ; and be paid by the 
owner or shipper for weighing them, 20 
cents for each barrel and half barrel, and 45 
cents for each hogshead. In such cases, the 
manufacturer shall pay 20 cents for every 
pound of deficient weight. 

When flour or meal are so injured in manu- 
facturing, or otherwise damaged as not to 
be fit for exportation under any of the legal 
denominations, the inspector must mark the 
barrels containing them bad. And that 
which is marked Hght^ as well as that mark- 
ed bad., are forbidden to be carried out of 
the state, under a penalty of five dollars for 
each barrel. The fee of the inspector is two 
cents a barrel, to be paid him by the owner, 
who is authorised to charge the purchaser 
wiih one half the amount over and above the 
price of the flour or meal. 

All flour and meal purchased for exporta- 
tion must be inspected at the time and place 
of exportation., under a penalty of five dol- 
lars for each barrel, to be paid by the purcha- 
ser or exporter. 

Persons shipping for exportation flour or 
meal not duly branded, forfeit the same.— 



And persons convicted of having exported 
from the state flour and mtal without having 
been first duly branded, forfeit, on convic- 
tion, five dollars for each barrel. And for 
the more effectual prevention of such practi- 
ces, the inspector may go on board any ves- 
sel, between sunrise and sunset, and search 
for uninspected flour and meal. Persons 
obstructjp.g" him pay on conviction 100 dol- 
lars for each orfence. 

Inspectors are prohibited from purchasing 
flour and meal except for their own private 
use, under a penalty of 500 dollars. Persons 
altering or counterfeiting in arks and brands 
public and private, forfeit 100 dollars. Per- 
sons putting fresh tiour into old barrels alrea- 
dy marked and branded, forfeit five dollars 
for every barrel so repacked. Persons of- 
fering for sale wheaten flour containing in it 
a portion of Indian meal or other foreign ad- 
mixture, forfeit five dollars for each barrel so 
adtdterated. And masters of vessels bring- 
ing to New-Y('rk market Indian meal upon 
thtir decks^ forfeit 20 cents a barrel, and 80 
cents a hogshead for the Indian meal so 
transported. 

In cases of false-taxingor false brand-mark- 
ing, the inspector may, in a summary way, 
sei e and sell the flour and meal so fraudu- 
lently marked, for the recovery of the pen;i]- 



93 

ties. But in the other forfeitures, the reco- 
very must be before a justice of the peace, 
or in any court of record having cognizance 
of the same. 

6. Inspection of Beef and Pork^ 

Beef and pork can be exported only in bar* 
rels and half-barrels. The barrels and half- 
barrels must be made of good seasoned white 
oak or white ash staves and heading. The- 
barrels must measure 16 1-2 inches between 
the chines, and be 28 inches long. The half- 
barrels must be of the capacity of not less than 
15 nor more than 16 gallons. They must be 
hooped with at least 12 good white oak or 
hickory hoops well set and driven ; and the 
heads made of good substantial stuff. Each 
barrel must contain 200 pounds of meat ; and 
each half-barrel 100 pounds. 

There must be one or more inspectors in 
the city of New-York ; and one specially to 
inspect, pack and put up beef according to 
the\isages of the Jews. They are appointed 
by the state-council. Each inspector must 
in June annually make a return to the gover- 
nor, of the whole number of barrels and half- 
barrels of beef and pork by him inspected for 
the preceding year, and of the cities and 
counties where the s^me is packed and done* 



M 

Beef for exportation must not be killed 
tinder three years of age. It must be cut in 
square pieces as nearly as may be, not exceed- 
ing 12 pounds in weight, nor less than four. 
Beef found by the inspectors to have been 
killed at a proper age and to be fat and mer* 
chantable, is divided into three sorts for pack- 
ing and repacking in l^arrels and half-barrels, 
to wit, MESS, PRIME, and cargo. 

Mess-beef consists of the choicest pieces, 
of oxen, cows and steers well fatted. The 
shin, shoulder, clod and neck are taken from 
the fore-quarters ; and the legs and leg>rounds 
from the hind-quarters. Each barrel and 
half-barrel containing beef of this description, 
is branded on one of the heads ^; ess-beef. 

Prime-heey consists of the choice pieces of 
oxen, cows, steers and heifers ; among these 
there is not more than half a neck, and one 
shank with the hock cut off. The containing 
vessels must be branded on one head pri^ie- 

BEEF.. 

Cargo-beef consists of the pieces of fat 
cattle 6f all descriptions, of three years old 
and upwards, with not more jhan half a neck 
and three shanks without the hocks in each 
barrel ; and half-l3arrel in proportion. To 
be otherwise merchantable and branded 

CARGO-BEEF. 

All these qualities of beef must be weli 



95 

salted, with St. Ubes, Isle of May, Lisbon 
or Turks- Island salt, or other salt of equal 
quality, at the rate of seventy-five pounds a 
barrel, exclusive of a pickle made as strong 
as possible. To each barrel of beef is added 
four ounces of saltpetre. Half barrels are 
to be packed with half the proportions. In 
the counties of Herkimer, Oneida, Tioga, 
Cayuga, Onondagua, Ontario, Steuben, Che- 
nango, Otsego, Genesee and St. Lawrence, 
they may put up beef and pork for expor- 
tation in Cayuga and Onondagua salt. A 
fourth quality of beef is permitted to be put 
up and exported from New-York. This 
consists of necks, hearts and the meat of 
heads ; to be denominated and marked 
HEADS, HEARTS and HOCKS. The barrels 
containing these pieces are to be inspected 
like the rest. 

The v/eight, the inspector's name, and the 
place of inspection, must be branded on one 
of the barrel heads. 

Pork must be packed and repacked in bar- 
rels made of white-oak or white-ash staves 
and heading, and in other respects conform- 
ing to beef-barrels. Barrels must contain 
200 pounds, and half-barrels one hundred 
pounds of meat. 

There are three qualities of pork, mess, 
PRIME and CARGO. Mess-Pork consists of 



96 

the rlb-piecc3 of good fat hogs only, and must 
be branded mess-pork. Prime-pork con- 
sists of the next best pieces, with not more 
than three shoulders in one barrel. This 
shall contain no legs nor more than 24 pounds 
of head that shall have the ears cut off, and 
the snouts above the tusks, and the brains 
and bloody grizzle taken from the heads.- — 
Such shall be branded prime-pork. Car- 
go-Pork shall not contain in one barrel more 
than four shoulders without the legs, nor 
more than two h«rads with the ears and snouts 
cut off and brains and bloody grizzle taken 
out, which heads shall not exceed thirty 
pounds in weight. The pork must be in 
other respects fat and merchantable, and be 
branded cargo-pork. Half barrels must 
conform. 

Pork must be cut into pieces as nearly 
square as may be ; and none must exceed 
twenty pounds, nor be under four. The salt 
and pickle is the same which is provided for 
beef. And the branding of the weight, in- 
spector's name, and the place of inspection, 
is executed in like manner. 

The inhabitants of Long-Island are per- 
ipitted to employ staves and heading of red 
and black oak, freed from sap, the growth of 
that island, instead of white oak and white 
ash. 



97 

No inspector shall inspect or brand out of 
his district under the penalty of twenty-five 
dollars. Any person usurping the inspector's 
brand, shall pay one dollar for every cask 
so unlawfully branded. Inspectors guilty of 
neglect or fraud in performinj^ their duties, 
forfeit two dollars for each offence. Persons 
intermixing or shifting beef and pork from 
cask to cask after inspection, forfeit for each 
offence ten dollars. 

The inspectors receive for each barrel 
twenty cents, and for each half barrel twelve 
cents, including their salting, packing, in- 
specting and pickling, and exclusive of coop- 
erage ; to be paid by the owner. 

Rounds of beef may be still exported in 
kegs and tubs as heretofore. 

Beef and pork inspected according to the 
lajvs ofother states, need not be re-inspect- 
ed' if theY are accompanied by a proper cer- 
tificate. .Inspectors are prohibited buying 
arid selling pork and beef, as merchandize, 
and, restricted to dealing in them for their 
private use and the sale of remnants. 

JVardens of the Port^ 

By an act passed 4th April, 1805, it is pro- 
vided that the council of appointment shall 
appoint a master and three or more wardens, 
I 



98 

to be called "The Master and Wardens of tlic 
Port of New- York." They are to take an 
oath of odice and appoint a clerk. He must 
keep an office and a book for recording their 
proceedings. And fines and penalties incur- 
red under the act, (except for the forfeitures 
of the recognizances of pilots and their de- 
puties) shall be sued for and recovered in 
the name of the clerk. The master and war- 
dens, or any two of them are the surveyors 
of all damaged goods imported in any ship 
or vessel ; and, with the assistance of one or 
more skilful carpenters, are surveyors of all 
vessels deemed unfit for sea. They are to 
judge of the repairs needful for any such ves- 
,sel previous to her putting to sea. Sales of 
damaged goods required by owners and con- 
signees, shall be under their inspection. — 
When required by the owners and consignees 
the masters and wardens shall certify the 
cause of such damage, the amount of sales 
of such vessels and goods, and the charges 
attending such sales. They are allowed two 
per cent on the gross amount of such sales. 
For each survey of damaged goods on board 
a vessel lying beside a wharf, they are seve- 
rally allowed one dollar and 50 cents ; for 
each certificate in consequence of damaged 
goods, one dollar and 23 cents ; for every 
survey on board a vessel arrived in distress. 



99 

two dollars and fifty cents ; and for every 
certificate of damages in such cases and re- 
cording the same, two dollars and 50 cents* 
None of them are to be concerned in any pi- 
lot-boat. 

The master and wardens, by consent of 
the mayor of the city, may make rules and 
orders for the better government of pilots, 
and revoke and amend the same ; and also 
impose fines for the breach of such rules and 
orders by the pilots and their deputies ; not 
however exceeding 25 dollars, unless on re- 
fusal or neglect of such pilots or deputies to 
give all their assistance to vessels in distress 
on the coast, or in want of a pilot. In such 
cases any three of the master and wardens 
may impose a fine not less than 12 dollars 
50 cents, nor more than 50 dollars, and sus- 
pend them from office until the pleasure of 
the council of appointment. The master 
and wardens are to furnish the pilots and de- 
puties with printed instructions. They may 
fill up vacancies happening among the pilots 
during the recess of the council, by commis- 
sion, under their hands and seals, to be in force 
until others shall be appointed in their stead. 
They are also to examine, together with any 
two or more branch pilots, pilots' apprenti- 
ces during the lastyearof their apprenticeship^ 
touching their knowledge of the tides, sonnd» 



100 

ings, bearings and distances of the several 
shoals, reefs, bars, points of land and every 
-other matter they or any three of the master 
and wardens may think proper, tending to 
promote the safe navigation of vessels be- 
tween the city and Sandy Hook- 

Pilots, 

On the 4th April, 1805, it was enacted that 
the council of appointment nominate asuf- 
iicient number of persons to be branch 'pilot4 
of the port, each of whom is permitted to-ap- 
point one deputy under him. The same 
authority may appoint as many branch pilots 
as they may judge proper for the East river, 
Hellgate, or Sound, A pilot must have serv- 
ed in a pilot-boat five years as an appren- 
tice and two years as a deputy ; and be more- 
over recommended by the master and ward- 
ens as dulv qualified. Persons usurping 
the office of pilots, to be fined 15 dollars for 
such offence, if between Sandy-Hook'and 
New- York, and 10 dollars if iDctween the 
Sound and New-York. Pilots and their de-* 
puties must enter into a recognizance to the 
people of the state, with two sureties, to be 
approved by the master and wardens, in the 
sum of 250 dollars, with condition to execute 
faithfully their trusts. Suits may be com- 



101 

nienced in the supreme court on these re- 
cognizances In any party aggrieved for the 
recovery of damages sustained by the mis- 
conduct of pilots ; and discontinued on the 
payment voluntarily to the party aggrieved of 
such damages as shall be ascertained by the 
master and wardens. Pilots and deputies 
must obey the rules and orders of the war- 
dens ; and abide bv their printed instruc- 
tions. Each branch pilot must be owner in 
whole or in part of a pilot-boat. If masters 
of vessels refuse to receive a pilot, they shall 
nevertheless pay half-pilotage. If masters of 
vessels carry pilots off to sea, they or their 
owners or consignees shall pay, besides the 
pilotage, seventy dollars a month tor their 
use during their absence. To entitle a pilot 
to his fees, he must take possession of the 
vessel to the southward of the upper middle 
ground, and such vessels must be at least of 
the burthen of 70 tons. An additional al- 
lowance is given them between the 1st of 
December and the 1st of April, and on for- 
eign bottoms at all times. When detained 
on board a vessel by the master, waiting for 
a fair wind or otherwise, the pilot shall re- 
ceive two dollars a day. Each master of a 
Sandy hook pilot-boat must keep two appren- 
tices. And when either pilots or deputies 
take charge of a vessel either outward or in- 
I 2 



102 

ward bound, they are to heave the leadVegu- 
larly. The ordinary fees lor piiocng a vessel 
from the eastward to the southward of the out- 
er middle ground to the city or vice versa ^ are 
as follows : for every vessel drawing less than 
14 feet water, one dollar and 25 cents for each 
foot of water she shall draw ; lor every vtssel 
drawing 14 feet and not less than 18 leet, one 
dollar and 50 cents a foot ; every vessel draw- 
ing 18 feet and upwards, two dollars lor each 
foot. The additional allowance during the 
winter is four dollars for every vessel draw- 
ing 10 feet and upwards, and for every vessel 
drawing less than 10 feet, tv/o dollars. And 
an addition of one-fourth is made to the fees, 
when alien vessels are piloted. East river pi- 
lots receive such fees as the wardens decree ,; 
and for detention two-thirds the sum allowed 
to Sandy Hook pilots. 

Branch pilots and deputies aiding vessels in 
distress, shall, for extraordinary services, have 
such extraordinary pay as they and the master 
or owner can agree upon, or if they cannot a- 
gree, such as the wardens shall declare to be 
reasonable. 



BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 

1. Tammony Society, 
This national society was incorporated by 



103 

an act passed 9th April, lS05/by the stile of 
" The Societ\ of Tammauy or Columbian Or- 
der in the city of New -York." The vearly 
value of their estate is not to exceed oOOO dol- 
lars. Their object is to afford relief to the in- 
digent and distressed ; and for that purpose to 
make the necessary regulations and bye-laws. 

2. Free School, 

A society "vvas incorporated by an act passed 
9th April, 1305, under the title of " The Soci- 
ety for establishing a Free School in the city of 
New- York, for the education of such poor chil- 
dren as do not belong to or are not provided 
for by any rehgious society." Their concerns 
are to be managed by 13 trustees, of whom se- 
ven make a quorum : I'hey make bye-laws, 
appoint teachers and other officers, and settle 
their compensations. Persons contributing 
eight dollars may become members ; and giv- 
ing 25 dollars become members and acquire 
the right for life of sending one scholar, and 
subscribing 40 dollars, to membership and the 
right of sending two scholars. The mayor of 
the city is, ex-officio, a member. The trustees 
are to report annually the condition of the 
tschool, to the legislature. 



104 

3. Provicknt Society. 

The Provident Society of the city, of New- 
York \v?s incorporated by an act passed 1 6ih 
tehruarv, 1805. Their real and personal es- 
tate is limitied to 10,000 dollars. They have 
the power of making the necessary bye-iaws 
for carrying into eflect the objects of the insti- 
tution, which are to raise funds to be appropri- 
ated towards the support of weak and infirm 
members, their widows and orphans. 

4. Mutual Benefit Society, 

This association was incorporated in the 
same act as the Provident Societv ; and v/rdi 
the same powers, privileges, immmiiiies, limi- 
tations and restrictions. 

5. Benevolent Society^ 

Was incorporated in the same statute with 
the two former ; and on the like conditions, 
and for similar purposes. 

6. Albion Benevolent Society^ 

Incorporated in the same act with the three 
pre eding ones ; and for similar purposes, and 
on the same terms. 



105 ^ 

7^ Ladies^ Societif for the relief of poor Wi- ' 
clows xv'itk small Children^ 

This association, of which gentlemen cannot 
Ibe members though they mr.y be contributors, 
was commenced in November 1797, and or- 
garized the 29th December following. 

At their first stated meeting in April 1798, 
it was reported that 98 widows with 223 chil- 
dren had been brought through the severity of 
winter, with a degree of comfort, who without 
this interposition would probably have gone 
to the aims-house, or have perished* 

Relief is given in necessaries, and never in 
mone}^, but by a vote of the directresses at 
their board. It is not granted in any case un- 
til after the applicants siijdl be visited at their 
dwellings by one of the managers, and particu- 
lar inquiry made into their character and cir- 
cumstances. Immorality excludes from the 
patronage of the society. Relief shall not be 
given to any such applicant as refuses to put 
out at service or to trades, such of her cbildren 
as are fit, and to place the younger ones, of pro- 
per age, at a charity-school ; unless in very 
particular cases of which the board judges- 

The managers are required to exert them- 
selves to create and maintain habits of indus- 
try among their applicants, by furnishing them, 
^s far as possible, with suitable employment;. 



106 

White and checked linen has been exten- 
sively distributed among the poor widows 
who could not find employment elsewhere, 
to be made into shirts, on hire, , and. after- 
wards sold by the society at first cost. The 
original constitution of this benevolent fe- 
male association was printed by James Oram 
in 1759. 

Since that time, an act of incorporation has 
been passed in its favor, to continue in force 
until March 1st, 1810. The ladies were in- 
corporated on April 2d 1802, by the name of 
" The Society for the relief of Poor Widows 
with small Children." It may hold estate to 
the amount of 50,000 dollars, applicable only 
to the relief of poor widows with small chil- 
dren. Their affairs are managed by "a board 
of direction," composed of a first and second 
directress, a secretarv, treasurer, and not 
less than six, nor more than twelve managers. 
Of thoi.e, two-thirds make a quorum. Hus- 
bafnds of married women who are members or 
oilicer-v of this corporation, are not liable for 
any loss occasioned by the neglect or misfea- 
sance of their wives, nor for any subscrip- 
tion or engagement of their wives ; except 
in the case of their having received from their 
wives money or property belonging to the 
corporation. 



107 
8. Fire-Department. 

The engineers and firemen of the city 
were incorporated March 20th, 1798, by the 
title of " The Fire-Department of the city of 
New-York. They are to continue a body 
politic until the first Tuesday of April 1818. 
I'heir concerns are conducted by representa- 
tives chosen annually, one by the engineers, 
two by each fire-company consisting of eigh- 
teen men, and one by each company of less 
than eighteen men ; and carried on by a Pre- 
sident, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, 
Collector, and aboard of nine Trustees, cho- 
sen by the representatives, partly out of their 
own body and partly out of the whole body 
of fire-men. Their whole estate shall not 
exceed 20,000 dollars. These funds, whe- 
ther arising from chimney-fines, certificates 
and donations, or from such other objects 
as have been agreed upon by the respective 
fire-companies, are destined for the relief of 
such indigent or disabled fire-men, or their 
families, as may be interested therein, and 
who may, in the opinion of a majority of the 
trustees be worthy of assistance. The sur- 
plus revenue, beyond what is applied to suc- 
cour the distressed, may be applied to the pur- 
pose of extinguishing fires, in such way as 
the common council of the city may approve. 



108 

*rhe capital of this valuable establishment 
lias already amounted to 5000 dollars, and is 
gradually increasing. The constitution, act 
of incorporation, and bye-laws, were printed 
at large by J. Harrison in 1 799. 

9. NexV'Tork Manufacturing Society. 

For the purpose of establishing manufac- 
tures and furnishing employment to the hon- 
est and industrious poor, as the preamble of 
the law recites, a body of citizens were incor- 
porated on March 16th, 1790» They were 
called "The New-York Manufacturing Socie- 
ty,''" and empOAvered to hold property to the 
amount of 60,00Q, pounds New- York currency 
(Si 50,000). A share was 25 dollars, and the 
commonwealth subscribed for 100 of them. 
The concerns were managed by 12 directors 
and a treasurer chosen annually. They met 
four tiities a year, had the disposition of the 
funds, and made bye-laws. They carried on 
for several years, spinning, weaving and seve- 
ral other branches of business in their manu- 
factory in Vesey-street. But the experiment 
did not answer the expectations of the stock- 
h i ders. Finding that their exertions were 
not successful, the directors settled their ac-^ 
counts, discontinued their operations and di- 
vide the residue of their stock. 13y some it 



109 

was supposed the adventure was not greatly 
better than a total loss. This corporation may 
therefore be considered as dissolved by con- 
sent of the parties, or by non-user. 

10. Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, 

The legislature passed an act of incorpora- 
tion in favor of the general society of mecha- 
nics and tradesmen of the city of New-York 
for charitable purposes, on 14th March, 1792. 
This association has gone on prosperously, 
and among other things erected that large 
building at the corner of Robinson-street and 
Broad-way, called after the society, Mechanic- 
Hall, It is now kept by Mr. Little, and is 
one of the most genteel Hotels in the city. 

llo The Dispensary. 

" The Trustees of the New- York Dispensa- 
ry" were incorporated on the 8th April, 1795, 
for the purpose of relieving such sick, poor 
and indigent persons as are unable to procure 
medical aid at their own dwellings, and are so 
circumstanced as not to be proper objects lor 
the Poor-House or Hospital. They may hold 
estate to the amount of 3,000 dollars. The 
trustees are 13 in number, and seven forma 



quorum. Any person paying five dollars, may 
be allowed to have one patient in the charge 
of the physicians for one year. The trustees 
have the management of the Kine Pock In- 
stitution, adjoining the Presbyterian Church 
Yard, near the Park, v, henc • supplies of 
genuine matter for inoculation can be always 
procured, and where the poor are vaccinated 
and attended gratis. 

12. Lying -ill Ho spit ah 

For the purpose of establishing an asylum 
for the reception of pregnant women, who 
are unable to procuie the necessary medi- 
cal assistance, and nursing during the period 
of their confinement in child-bed, a corpo- 
ration was forr^aed on 1st March, 1799, by 
the stile of the " Society of the Lving-in Hos- 
''pitai of the city of Nev/-York." They are 
much limited as to property, being allowed 
only to hold enough for the necessary build- 
ings. Future subscribers are deemed 
members. Its concerns are intrusted to 
thirteen governors who are to appoint phy- 
siciar.s not exceeding lour to attend the pa» 
tients. 

The capital of this society not having yet ac- 



Ill 

•cumulated enough to enable them to estabhsh 
a distinct institution, they have agreed with 
the New-York Hospital for a temporary^ ac- 
commodation of pregnant women, which is 
stated under the article of New-York Hospi- 
tal in this work. 

13. Sailors^ Snug- Harbour^, 

Capt. Robert Richard Randall, by his last 
will and testament dated June 1, 1801, devis- 
ed the principal part of his real and person- 
al estate situated at the Sand- Hill, near the 
junction of Broad- way with the Bowery road^, 
to trustees for the purpose of establishing and 
supporting on some convenient point of the land 
so vested in trust, an asylum or marine hospi- 
tal to be called the ^* Sailors' Snug Har- 
bour." 

This estate is the one which before the revo- 
lution belonged to Andrew Elliot, then col- 
lector of the port, one of whose daughters is 
the present lady Cathcart. It is estimated to 
be worth 50,000 dollars, and is rapidly increas- 
ing in productiveness and value ; being only 
a!)out tv/o miles distance from the old city Hall 
in Wall-street. The object of the donor was 
to maintain and support aged, decrepid, and 
worn out sailors ; and to put the same in tie 



112 

operation, as soon as the funds, in the judg» 
ment of the trustees, would be adequate to 
the provision for fifty and upwards. 

The trustees named in the testament of Capt, 
Randall are, the mayor and recorder of the 
city, the president of the chamber of com- 
merce, the president and vice-president of the 
marine society, the senior minister of the epis- 
copal church, and the senior minister of the 
presbyterian church, all of the city of New- 
York, for the time being, and to their succes- 
sors in office respectively. 

The trustees, who were also the executors, 
finding the estate to be of considerable value, 
and capable, with prudent management, of ful- 
filling in time the benevolent intention of the 
donor, and experiencing considerable difficul- 
ty in managing its concerns as a simple trustee- 
ship, applied for an act of incorporation. The 
legislature granted this on 6th February, 1806; 
and this benevolent institution is now in a fair 
way to be carried into operation, and afford 
succour to the aged and exhausted mariner. 

14. Marble Societif^ 

During the administration of Dr. Cadwalla*- 
der Golden, lieutenant-governor of New- 
York, a charter was given to certain me/- 



115 

chants, magistrates, mariners, and others^ 
constituting them a corporation by the name 
of " the Marine Society." This was dated 
April 12th, 1770. Its stile was "the Ma- 
rine Society of the city of New- York in the 
state of NeW"York," as expressed in an act 
of confirmation passed by the legislature in 
May, 1786. Their objects are to improve 
maritime knowledge, and to relieve indigent 
and distressed masters of vessels, their wives 
and orphans. They may hold property, not 
exceeding the yeaHy value of ^3,000 ster- 
lingo 

15. Mamimission Society-. 

This Is a private association of individuals 
founded about the year 1785; whose object 
is to mitigate the evils of Negro-slavery in 
the city and commonwealth. Their standing 
committee exerts itself to enforce the laws of 
the state forbidding the importation and ex- 
portation of negro-slaves, to prevent offen- 
ces against acts of Congress prohibitory of 
the African slave-trade, to assist free blacks 
unlawfully kept In slavery, to prevent kidnap- 
ping, and to better the condition of negroes, 
by teaching them reading, writing and ac- 
k2 



114 

counts, and by training them up in moral ha- 
bits, and instilling into them religious princi- 
ples. Governor Jay, General Clarkson, and 
Senator Mitchiil have successively been presi- 
dents of this society. It patronizes and su|>- 
ports a free school for black children. The 
school- house and lot are in Cliff-street, between 
Beekman and Ferry-streets, in the rear of St. 
George's church-yard. The number of chil- 
dren taught in this seminary, is about oi^e 
hundred of both, sexes. 

16. Khie Pock Institution, 

In January, 1802, an association was form- 
ed for the purpose of substituting the cow-pock 
instead of the small-pox. Several distinguish- 
ed physicians lent their aid, in perpetuating 
the vaccine virus, and diffusing the efl'ects of 
it by mociikittoii. They published a pamphlet 
of their rules, and circulated ample directions 
in print, for obtaining, keeping, and employing 
the contagious matter. They also coloured 
likenesses of the inflamed pustule, to be sent 
abroad, exhibiting the appearance of the pock 
from the 3d to the 20th day inclusive. By the 
intercession of this society, a piece of ground 
was obtained from the common council, ad- 
joining the brick presbyterian church-yaul, at 
the head of Bcekman-street, near the park, for 



115 

the erection of a suitable building, for facilita= 
ting the object of the association. A neat and 
convenient house, with three rooms, is erected 
there, and answers all the purposes of receiv- 
ing the medical attendants, patients, managers, 
&c. The directors, having completed their 
design, ju, ged it no longer necessary to be 
kept distinct. They, therefore, surrendered 
it to the care and administration of the city 
dispensatory. Under the auspices of that cor- 
poration, the vaccine inoculation is regularly 
carried on by the physicians of that humane 
estabhshment. The number of patients that 
had been inoculated for the cow-pock at this of- 
fice, in September, 1806, was somewhat up- 
wards of one thousand. 

17. The City Hospital, 

A charter for a hospital, was obtained from 
Governor Dunmore, in 1771. It was begun 
bjT^ private subscription, and the incorporation 
took place on the 13th June that year. It 
stands on the centre of the great square, form- 
ed by Broadway, and by Barley, Church, and 
Catharine-streets. It was accidentally burned 
down in 1775. Before it was rebuilt, the war 
came on, and it remained in an unfinished con- 
dition, occupied as barracks for the British 
and Hessian soldiery, until the conclusion of 



116 

Y>eace in 1783. Afterwards, its finances were 
too low to allow it to be opened as an infirma- 
ry until 1791. Since that time, it has been a 
regular asylum fi^r the sick and disabled. I'his 
institution has ever since 1792, enjoyed the 
patronage of the commonwealth. That year, 
the legislature granted 5000 dollars a year for 
five years, to be paid out of the city-excise on 
licenses to retail spirituous liquors. In 1795, 
the former grant was repealed, and 10,000 dol- 
lars a year granted for five years. In 1 796, an 
additional grant of 2,500 dollars was made, 
makin^'' 12,500 dollars per annum. In 1801, 
this grant was prolonged for five years more .; 
and on March 14th, 1806, it was extended to 
fifty years ; that is, to 1857, and to be paid out 
of the duties on sales at public auction in the 
city of New- York. 

Their stile is " The Society of the Hospital 
in the city of New- York, in America." The 
affairs of the corporation are managed by 
twenty-six governors, chosen by the members, 
at an election held on the 3d Tuesday in May 
annually. Seven governors, of whom the pre- 
sident or vice-president shall be one, make a 
quorum for ordinary business, except the 
choosing of governors, and other officers, and 
granting lands for a longer term than one year. 
In such cases a majority of the whole number 
of governors must concur. They are to ren- 



117 

der account to the legislature annually, or when? 
thereunto required. 

The grounds of the hospital were in 1801, 
inclosed with a handsome brick wall. The 
foof has been covered wuh slate, and adorned 
with a cupola. A third story has also been 
added to it. Within the inclosure are fine and 
healthy walks, and rests, for the convalescent 
patients. The approach to the hospital is be- 
tween beautiful rows of elms. At the head of 
it is the porter's lodge. On the right an excel- 
lent kitchen-garden, to supply the house with 
vegetables ; and on the left the stable, wood- 
house, and other offices. 

This is one of the most elevated, airy, and 
healthy spots on the island. The water drawn 
from the well is excellent, and like other wa- 
ters drawn from equal depths in this latitude, 
of the temperature ot 54 degrees of Fahren- 
heit's scale. The wards are spacious, and sus- 
ceptible of complete ventilation. The sick en- 
joy a fine atmosphere, in a situation that can- 
not be encroached upon by the neighbouring 
buildings. From the cupola, there is an ex- 
tensive prospect of the city, the two rivers, and 
the bay, of Staten-Island, Long-Island, and 
the Jersev-shore. There is, likewise, an ex- 
tensive view of the narrows, and up the Hud- 
son, towards Tappan. The basaltic rocks on 
the west side, appear very plain and precipi^- 



il8 

tous» Looking to the northward, on Man- 
hattan, the spectator beholds the city extend- 
ing towards Greenwich and Rosehill, and 
many beautiful villas rising between. 

In 1801, an arrangement was madebetweeR 
this hospital and another institution, called 
" The Lying-in Hospital," by which the in- 
come of the latter was paid over to the former, 
on condition that an obstetrical ward should be 
provided for the accommodation of helpless 
pregnant women. This has been done, and 
thereby an excellent practical school of mid- 
wifery has been formed. 

By virtue of a contract between the collect- 
or of the port and the governors, the sick and 
disabled friendless seamen are received into 
this asylum. The expenses of their suste- 
nance and attendance, are defrayed out of the 
fund formed by the tax of 20 cents <\ month 
upon their wages, pursuant to an act :)/ con- 
gress. Here, upon very economical terms, this 
valuable class of men eniov a salubrious air, 
in a well-ordered hospital, with the b-\st pro- 
fessional assistance. Nothino- can ex-:eed the 
care taken of the sailors. And although from 
the limited amount ol" the seamen's hospital 
money, there is not enough to defray all their 
expenses as pay-patients, yet, such is the hu- 
mane and charitable administration o! the 
New-York hospital, that a suffering miiriner 



119 

was never refused admittance, because he was 
poor. 

1 he sick- wards afford to the clinical pro- 
fessor, good cases for lectures. Medical stu- 
dents in the college are admitted to visit the 
wards, and attend the ordinary medical and 
surgical practice, for the small consideration 
of 10 dollars a year. And if they attend the 
clinical ward, they must make a special ar- 
rangement vvrith the practising professor for 
that purpose. The surgical operations are 
frequent. In such a populous city, accidents 
often occur, which require manual aid. Stu- 
dents are admitted to be present at the per- 
formance of all sorts of operations, by skilful 
surgeons, in a commodious theatre. 

A library of about 1500 volumes, belongs 
to the hospital. Students and others are ad- 
mitted to it upon easy terms. By the appro- 
priation of an annual sum, it is kept steadily 
on the increase. There are many excellent 
ancient and modern books, on physic and sur- 
gery, in this collection. 

A distinct house for the reception of luna- 
tics, is now erecting. This will be calculated 
to admit a sufficiency of air and light, to all the 
cells. These, and, indeed, the whole building,, 
will be fire-proof. Each madman will have a 
separate chamber ; and this, in cold weather, 
will be warmed in such a manner, as to comfort 



120 

the patient, while it is quite out of his powei% 
either to burn himself or the infirmary. Any 
gentleman, by paying to the treasurer 37 1-2 
dollars, becomes a member of the corporation ; 
and, thereby, acquires the right to vote for 
governor, and to be elected himself. 

Further particulars of this institution, are 
contained in a small book, published by Isaac 
Collins, in 1804-, entitled, " A brief account 
of the New-York Hospital." 

18. Alms House, 

By their charter, the common-council are 
empowered to build, erect, or convert any of 
their buildings, already erected, into an alms 
house, for the relief of the poor. They are 
empowered by law, (April 8th, 1801) to ap- 
point a number, not exceeding five, of the free- 
holders and inhabitants of the city, to be over- 
seers of the poor, by the name and style of 
'^ The Commissioners of the Alms House and 
Bridewell of the City of New-York." The 
major part of these have power to oversee and 
provide for the poor ; and any two of them 
may bind out apprentices and servants, under 
the same sanctions to which the overseers in 
the several towns of the state are subjected. 

In consequence of this authority, the power 
has been vested in one commissioner, called, a 



121 

sraperintendant ; who, together with a cleric, a 
steward, and a physician, administers to the 
wants of the poor. Latterly, two physicians 
have been appointed. These officers are com- 
pensated, in a stipulated manner, for their re- 
spective services. 

The superintendant appoints proper mat- 
rons to take care of the children, cooks, offi- 
•cers, and domestics, and removes them at 
pleasure. The steward makes all purchases 
for the alms house and bridewell. The clerk 
keeps distinct accounts of all the expenditures, 
In a set of books, kept by way of double entry, 
and pasied up once a week. Every three 
months, the accounts arc exhibited, by the 
£:Ierk and superintendant, to a committee of the 
common council. 

There is an ordinance of the common -coun- 
icil, regulating the admissions and discharges 
'of paupers ; the arrangement of them into 
classes, according to their conduct ; the clean- 
liness and economy of the house ; clothing., 
diet, and fuel ; care of the sick ; management 
of the children ; admission of visitors ; and 
abuses of official trust. 

This building is situated on the north side 
Af tlie Park, immediately behind the new city- 
hall, and between it and Chamber-street ; on 
.an elevated, healthy, and airy piece of ground, 
and surrounded by open courts and gardens. 

L 



122 

The number of poor steadily maintained in 
this asylum, may be estimated at seven hun- 
dred ; frequently it is much greater ; and the 
expense, independent of rents, &c. is about 
40,000 dollars a year. This sum is raised by 
a tax upon the inhabitants. The expense of 
the bridewell or county prison, amounts to 
about 20,000 dollars more. 

The poor-list is exceedingly enlarged by 
wretched emigrants from Europe, and by 
needy adventurers from almost all parts of our 
own country. 

19. House Carpenters^ Society, 

" The associated body of House Carpenters 
of the city of New- York," was incorporated 
on the 14th March, 1806, for the purpose of 
raising a fund for the support of sick and in- 
firm members, and the relief of widows and 
orphans. They may hold estate to the amount 
of 10,000 dollars. Incorporation to continue 
until 1816. 

20. Belkvue Hospital 

On the shore of the East-river, about three 
miles from the city hall, is a delightful spot, 
of which our celebrated countryman, Lindley 
Murray, was once the proprietor and resident. 



123 

It has been purchased by the common coun- 
cil for an occasional infirmary, whither during 
the prevalence of sickness in the city, it is 
thought advisable to remove those who lan- 
guished. A more wholesome air is found 
here, as well as accommodations for the sick 
and the convalescent. The selection of such 
a spot for the reception of the inhabitants 
who are suffering the violent assaults of the 
fever, redounds greatly to the feelings and 
humanity of the common council. In com- 
mon seasons, there are no sick persons here. 
This hospital is opened only upon extraordi- 
nary occasions. 

21. Marine Hospital at Staten Island, 

Under the care of the health-officer, are 
all the sick who arrive in ships and vessels 
from sea, under such circumstances as ren- 
der it improper for them to proceed imme- 
diately to the city. Convenient buildings, 
well ventilated, even under the floors, and 
sufficiently distant from each other to pre- 
vent near approaches, have been provided 
by the commonwealth, for their accommoda- 
tion. To this excellent and salubrious asy- 
lum the inhabitants of the city are sometimes 
s^nt, in the beginning of one of our local and 
endemic fevers, before the sick are suffi* 



124 

eiently numerous to render it necessary to 
open the infirmary at Bellevue. 

22» Humane Society, 

This is an association of citizens, who ori- 
ginally devoted their principal attention to>- 
wards the relief of distressed debtors confin- 
ed in the city prison. To these they afford 
supplies, chiefly of fuel and food. Their la- 
bours commenced early in 1787. Within a 
few years they have enlarged their plan, by 
instituting a soup-house in the modern mode, 
and extending to the prisoners the advanta** 
ges of food, ready cooked. They have also 
enlarged their establishment in such a man- 
ner, that indigent persons throughout the 
city may procure supplies of soup either gra- 
tis, or for the small consideration of three- 
pence a quarta The objects of this society 
have been greatly aided by the common coun- 
cil, who have given them a lot of ground, 
adjoining the alms-house, and in rear of the 
debtor's gaol. 

23. Masonic Societies. 

Under this head may be mentioned the 
grand lodge of free and accepted masons, 
and the twelve or more lodges and chapters 



125 

within the city ; all of which are engaged, aCv 
cording to their respective funds and means, 
in acts of beneficence. The names of some 
of them are, St, John, Hiram, St. Andrews, 
Howard, Adelphi, Trinity, Phoenix, A- 
brams, Washington, Warren, Union Fran- 
coise, and Clinton ; with the Independent, 
Fredonian and Washington chapters of royal 
arch masons. A book of the *'■ Constitu- 
tions of the ancient and honourable fraternity 
cf free and accepted masons in the state of 
New- York," was collected and digested by 
order of the grand lodge, and published by 
D. Longworth, in 1801. In Frankfort street, 
a large and commodious modern building has 
been erected for the accommodation of the 
craft, and called by them St* Johii^s Hall^ in 
honour of their tutelar saint. Many of the 
lodges hold their regular meetings there. 

25. German Societij. 

On the 6th of April, 1 804, " the German 
Society of the city of New-Yorlc, was incor« 
porated, for the purpose of assisting Ger- 
man emigrants, and of affording relief to 
other poor distressed Germans and their de- 
scendants. The incorporation is to endure 
until 1825. Their estate must not exceed 
25,000 dollars, 

L 2 



126 

25. Society of Unitas Fratritm, 

" The Society of the United Brethren for 
propagating the Gospel among the Heathen'* 
was incorporated in New- York, the 29th of 
February, 1804. Their object is to pur- 
sue, the great work in which they have 
been engaged, ever since the commencement 
of the Moravian settlements in America, in 
1740, that is, of carrying the glorious truths 
of the gospel among the Indians, and of con- 
verting the savages to Christianity. They 
may hold estate to the annual amount of 
2000 dollars, exclusive of contributions and 
donations. 

26. First Protestant Episcopal Charity 
SchooL 

An association had existed a number of 
years, under the care of Trinity church, for 
the education of poor children in piety and 
useful learning. On the 14th of March, 
1806, the members were incorporated by the 
name of " the Trustees of the first Protest- 
" ant Episcopal Charity School, in the city 
*' of New-York." It may hold real property 
not to exceed, in clear annual value and in- 
come, (exclusive of the buildings and lots 
occupied for the school,) the sum of 15,000 



127 

dollars. The school has been liberally en- 
dowed by the corporation of Trinity church. 

27. St, Anclrezv's — 28. St. Patrick's, and 
29. St, George'' s Societies. 

Though not incorporated, are understood to 
be associations of Scotch, Irish, and Erglish- 
men and their descendants, ior social and 
beneficent purposes. 

30. The Nezv England Society 

Is formed of the natives or descendants 
from the states of Connecticut, Rhode-Island, 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Ver- 
mont, living in the city of New-York, and 
embraces a large body of individuals. 

31. The Cincinnati. 

Near the close of the revolutionary war, 
many of the officers who had served merito- 
riously in the army of their country, on lay- 
ing down their commissions, returned to 
their original callings or to some other de- 
partment of civil life. A respectable num- 
ber of these, struck with the resemblance 
f^f their situation to that of the great Roman 



128 

dictator Cincinnatus, associated into a body 
of military friends, which they denominated 
^' the society of the Cincinnati." This corps 
of heroic gentlemen, still preserve its organi- 
zation, and hold meetings from time to time, 
to commemorate public events, perform deeds 
of beneficence, and hold converse on the de- 
fence of their country. 



MARKETS. 

In New- York, every day, except Sunday, is 
a market day. Beef, pork, veal, mutton and 
lam!), are cut up and sold in the public mar- 
kets, by the joint or in pieces, by the licens- 
ed butchers only, their agents or servants. 
Each of these must sell at his own stall, and 
conclude his sales by one o'clock in the af- 
ternoon, between 1st May and 1st Noveni' 
ber, and at two betvveen 1st November and 
1st May. Butchers are licensed by the 
mayor, who is the clerk of the market. He 
receives for every quarter of beef sold in the 
market, 6 cents ; for every hog, shoat or pig, 
above 14lbs weight, 6 cents ; and for each 
calf, sheep or lamb, 4 cents ; to be paid by 
the butchers and other persons selling the 
same. To prevent engrossing and to favour 
housekeepers, it is declared unlawful for per- 
sons to purchase articles to sell again, in any 



129 

market or other part of the city, before noon 
or twelve o'clock, of each day, except flour 
and meal, which must not be bought to be 
sold again, until four in the afternoon. 
Hucksters in the markets are restricted to the 
sale of vegetables, with the exception of 
fruits The sale of unwholesome and stale 
articles of provision, of blown and stuffed 
meat, and of measly pork, is exprt ssly forbid- 
den. Gut-fat untried, sheeps trotters, un- 
dressed heads of sheep and lambs, hides and 
skins of all kinds, except calves skins, are 
prohibited entry into the public market be- 
tween May and November, on account of the 
nuisances they are prone to engender. 

Butter must be sold by the pound, and not 
by the roll or tub. Persons who are not li- 
censed butchers, selling butcher's meat on 
commission, pay treble fees to the clerk of 
the market. 

This market is abundantly supplied with 
almost every thing, in its season, which the 
land and water affords. In an enume- 
ration made a few years ago by several gen- 
tlemen of experience, the species of wild 
quadrupeds fit for human food, which might 
be bought in New-York in the course of the 
year, in whol • or in part, alive or dead, were 
in number, eight, the amphibious creatures, 
live, of shell iish, fourteen ; of birds fifty-one. 



130 

and of fishes proper, sixty-two. Their names 
are as follows : quadrupeds ; bear, deer, rac- 
coon, groundhoi^, opossum, squirrel, rabbit, 
hare. Amphibious ; greenturtle, hawksbil!^ 
loggerhead, snapper, tarrapan. Shell fish ; 
oyster, lobster, prawn, crab, sea-crab, cray- 
fish, shrimp, clam, sea clam, soft clam, scol- 
lop, grey mussel, black mussel, periwinkle. 
Birds : wild goose, brant, black duck, grey 
duck, canvassback, wood-duck, widgeon, 
teal, broad-bill duck, dipper, sheldrake, old- 
%vife, coote, hell-diver, whistling-diver, red- 
head, loon, cormorant, pilestart, sheerwater> 
curlew, merlin, willet, woodcock, English 
snipe, grey snipe, yellow-legged snipe, robin, 
snipe, dovertie, small sand snipe, green plo- 
ver, grey plover, kildare, wild turkey, heath 
hen, patridge, quail, meadow hen, wild pi- 
geon, turtle-dove, lark, robin, large grey snow- 
bird, small blue snow-bird, blue-jay, yellow 
tail, clape blackbird, woodj)ecker, blue crane, 
white crane. Fishes : salmon, codfish, black- 
fish, streaked-bass, sea-bass, sheepshead, mack- 
erel, Spanish mackerel, horse mackerel, trout, 
pike, sunfish, sucker, chub, roach, shiner, 
white-perch, yellow-perch, black-perch, stur- 
geon, haddock, pollock, hake, shad, herring, 
sardine, sprat, manhaden, weakfish, smelt, 
mullet, bonetto, king-fish, silver-fish, porgey, 
skipjack, angel-fish, grunts, tusk, red-drum. 



13i 

black-drum, sheepshead-drum, dogfish, kiili" 
fish, bergall, tomcod, red-gurnard, grey 
gurnard, spearings, gar-fish, frost-fish, blow- 
iish, toad-fish, holibut, flounder, sole, plaice., 
skait, stingray, common-eel, conger-eel, lam- 
prey. 

Much of the beef sold on the stalls of the 
New- York butchers, is brought from Penn- 
sylvania. 

1. The principal market in New-York, is 
the Fly-3Iarket. This is an uncouth name 
to a stranger, who is naturally led to expect 
from it, a market swarming with flies. This 
however, is not the real meaning of the term. 
This part of the city, south east of Pearl-street 
hereabout, was originally, a salt meadow, with 
a creek running through it, from where Mai- 
den-lane now is, to the Bay or East river ; 
forming such a disposition of land and water 
as was called by the Dutch Vlaie^ a valley 
or wet piece of ground ; when a market was 
first held there, it was called the Fly^ or Vlaie 
Market^ the Valley or Meadow market ; 
from which has come the corruption of" Fly- 
market.'^ This name certainly ought to be 
rejected and a better one adopted. 

2. On the west side of the city, in Green- 
wich street, and between it and the Hudson, 
is the market of the second importance. 
This is known by as odd and whimsical a 



132 

name as the former ; for it is commonl}^ call- 
ed the Bare-Market. This name arose in 
the following manner : a considerable part 
of the houses on that side of the cit}^, had 
been consumed by fire, while it w^as in pos- 
session of the enemy. As soon as conve- 
nient, after its restoration to the rightful in- 
habitants, a market was fixed there for the 
accommodation of the citizens, who were 
erecting new habitations on the ruins of those 
which had been destroyed. In the progress 
of improvement, it happened that tlie mar- 
ket-house was finished long before the streets 
were rebuilt, or the generality of the inha- 
bitants re-established. As there were, for a 
considerable time, but few housekeepers or 
purchasers, so there were but a small number 
of sellers of produce, to frequent this public 
place. In short, there was for a year or 
more, a spacious building, witli very little 
produce. This led the citizens, when they 
mentione'd it, to distinguish it by the name of 
Bare-Market^ or tha market at which there is 
nothing brought for sale ; and the name is con- 
tinued to this day ; though the supplies are now^ 
steady and abundant. It is pretended by some 
that it was called the Bear-Market^ because 
a bear was once exhibited and sold there. 
But this is not the correct story. This nam.e, 
as well as the other, ought to be changed for 
some more approprate term. 



133 

3. The Market at Catharine street. 

This is situated where Catharine street joins 
the East-river, after parting- the fourth from 
the seventh ward, all the way from the new- 
watch-house at the head of Chatham street. 
This market is enlarged as the population of 
the city increases. 

4. T/w Os7vcgo Market, 

This is situated at the junction of Broad- 
way and Maiden-lane. 

5. Tlic Exchange Market, 

This is at the lower end of Broadstreet. 

6. Hudson Market, 

This has been lately erected, at the lower 
end of Spring-street, and accommodates the 
people around. 

Besides these, there are several single stalls 
and shops, where batcher's meat is sold. 

STATE PRISON. 

By the law of New-York, treason, mur- 
der, and the procuring, aiding and abetting, 
any kind of nturder, are the only crimes pun- 
ishable by death. The mode of execution is 
hanging by the neck. 

Rape, sodomy, bestiality, burglary, house- 

M 



13.4 

robbery, highway, or other personal robber}-, 
arson, forgery, knowingly passing or luter- 
ingforged documents, counterfeitinggold and 
silver coin, aiding in the same, and know- 
ingly uttering them for true, and malicious 
maiming, are punishable both principal and 
accessaries, with imprisonment for life, in 
the state prison ; to which sentence may be 
added, at the discretion of the court, the pun- 
ishment of hard labour, or solitude, or both. 

Persons convicted of felonies, other than 
the beforementioned, and above the degree 
of petit larceny, with their accessaries, are 
punishable by imprisonment, not exceeding 
fourteen years, w^ith the addition of hard la- 
bour, or solitude, or both, as the justices 
shall decree. For second offences, the con- 
victs are to be imprisoned for life. 

Petit larceny consists of the feloniously 
taking and carrying away the mere personal 
goods of another, to the value of tv/elve dol- 
lars and fifty cents, or under, unconnected 
with any other crime. Persons convicted of 
this offence ; or of assault, with intent to 
commit murder, robbery, or rape ; or of 
buying or receiving stolen goods ; getting 
property by cheating, or under false preten- 
ces, with their accessaries, may, as the 
court shall determine, instead of, or in ad- 
dition to a fine, be punished by imprison- 
ment, not less than one, nor more than three- 

/ 



135 

years, at hard labour. And for second of- 
fences, certain convicts may be sentenced, 
for terms not exceeding five years ; and for 
assaults, with intent to murder, rob, or com- 
mit rape, not exceeding eight years. 

Persons imprisoned for life, breaking out 
and convicted of committing, afterwards, 
any crime above the degree of petit larceny, 
are punishable by hanging to death. 

Persons imprisoned for years, breaking 
out and retaken, shall be deemed guilty of 
a felony, and be adjudged to imprisonment 
and hard labour for double the original term ;, 
to be computed from the day of recapture. 

Persons imprisoned for years, attempting 
to escape, or aiding others thereto, are 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and pun- 
ishable with such further imprisonment, not 
for life, after the expiration of the original 
term, as the court shall direct. 

Persons aiding the escape of prisonersjare 
punishable with confinement in the state pri- 
son, for a term not exceeding ten years. 

Persons convicted of perjury, or suborna- 
tion of perjury ; or aiding the escape of pri- 
soners, confined in any gaol for felony, may 
be adjudged to imprisonment at hard labour, 
for any term, not exceeding ten years. 

For carrying into operation the provisions 
af the criminal law, a spacious, strong^ and 



136 

eostl)^ bulldlnghas been constructed at Green- 
wich, about two miles from the city-hall, 
near the shore of the Hudson, in one of the 
most pleasant and healthy spots on Manhat- 
tan island. The space i^: closed by the wall 
is about four acres. A very perspicuous 
and circumstantial account of this great estab- 
lishment was published in 180i, by Isaac 
Collins. The information was derived from 
the most authentic sources, being furnished 
by Thomas Eddy, esq. then one of the in- 
spectors. Copies of this the traveller ought 
to procure. 

The prison is governed by seven inspec- 
tors, appointed by the state council. They 
are to meet once a month, or oftener, toge- 
ther with the justices of the supreme court, 
the mayor and recorder of the city, the at- 
torney-general and district attorney. The in- 
spectors make rules for the government of 
the convicts, and other persons belonging to 
the prison. The inspectors appoint two of 
their body to be visiting inspectors, month- 
ly. The board of inspectors have charge of 
the prison, and appoint a keeper, or deputy, 
and as many assistants as they find to be ne- 
cessary. The alaries of the keepers are paid 
out of the treasury of the state. 

The inspectors, or rather the agents of 
the prison, are empowered to purchase cloth- 



137 

mg^ bedding, provisions, tools, implements^ 
and raw or other materials for the employ- 
ment of the convicts, and keep accounts of 
the same. And also to open an account 
with each convict, charging him with his ex- 
penses, and crediting him with his labour.— 
And if there should be a balance due to the 
convict at the time of his discharge, to give 
him a part or the whole of it ; but if the 
whole should not be given to him to convey 
the residue to the credit of the state. 

The expense of conveying and keeping the 
convicts is always paid by the state. 

Prisoners are dressed in uniforms of coarse 
cloth, according to their classes and conduct, 
and kept at some kind of work. F'or pro- 
fane cursing, swearing, indecent behaviour, 
idleness, negligence, disobedience of regu- 
lations, or perverse conduct, the principal 
keeper may punish convicts, by confinement 
in the solitary cells, and by a diet of bread 
and water, during such term as any two of 
the inspectors advise. 

For the greater security, there is a de- 
tachment of firemen allotted to the preserva^ 
tion of the prison. 

Ihere is also an armed guard, consisting 
of a captain, a serjeant, two corporals, a 
drummer, a fifer, and twenty privates, to 
take care that no mischief is carried onamong 



138 

the prisoners, and that no escapes are made. 
This guard is under the direction of the 
mayor ; though any two of the inspectors, 
with the aid of the law-officers befort- men- 
tioned, are authorised to make rules and or- 
ders relative to their discipline. 



LITERARY INSTITUTIONS. 

Newspapers, 

New-York is amply supplied with these 
vehicles of intelligence. There are eight 
daily newspapers ; of which, some are pub- 
lished in the morning, and others in the af- 
ternoon. 

The morning daily papers are^ 

The American Citizen. 
The New-York Gazette. 
The Mercantile Advertiser. 
The Morning Chronicle. 
The People's Friend. 

The afternoon daily papers are^ 

The Commercial Advertiser. 
The Evening Post. 
The Public Advertiser. 



139 

Newspapers for country circulation^ published 
twice a "week* 

The Republican Watch-Tower, from the 
office of the American Citizen. 

i he Spectator, from the office of the Com- 
mercial Advertiser. 

i he Express, from the office of the Morn- 
ing Chronicle. 

1 he Herald, from the office of the Even- 
ing Post. 

I he People's Friend, from the office of 
the People's Friend. 

Weekly Papers, 

The New- York Price Current. 
1 he Weekly Museum. 
The Weekly Visitor. 
The Independent Republican. 
The Weekly Inspector. 
The New- York Spy. 

Booksellers and the Bookselling trade. 

The high price of paper, labour and taxes 
in the British islands, has been verv favour- 
able to authorship, and the publication of 
books at home. Foreign publications too. 



140 

come to us charged with a duty, in our own 
ports, of 15 percent in addition to other ex.. 
penses. To encourage the domestic manu- 
facture of paper, Congress, in 1804, ex- 
empted from impost, all imported foreign 
rags. I his has given a lively spring to the 
whole complicated manufacture, of paper 
from rags, and of books, pamphlets and ga- 
zettes from paper. 

Hence it happens, that authors find it easy 
to publish their original works ; and editors 
proceed with equal facility to re-print fo- 
reign books. 1 he booksellers and printei-s 
of New- York, carry on largely, both the im- 
pressions of pamphlets and books written at 
home, and those also which are composjjd 
abroado Many hands with great capitals 
are constantly engaged in these operations. 

With the increase of population, there is 
at least a proportional increase of reading. 
The ratio may be calculated to be even great- 
er from the democratic temper of the people. 
For several years, the literary iViir has 
been held alternately at New-York and Phi- 
ladelphia. This has had a tendency among 
other things, to facilitate intercourse among 
booksellers, to circulate books through the 
nation, and to encourage the arts of printing, 
book-binding, and paper»making. 



141 

New- York, may, therefore, be considered 
as a most extensive mart and manufactory of 
books. 

Columbia College, 

Previous to the year 1754, various acts o^ 
the governor, council, and general assembly 
of the province had been passed, authorising 
lotteries to raise money for the establishment 
of a college ; and the rector and inhabitants 
of the city in communion with the church of 
England, as by law established, had set 
apart a parcel of ground for the site of the 
building. In pursuance of which, governor 
James Delancey, on the 31st of October, 
that year, granted a charter of incorporation. 
The college is built upon part of the said 
ground, which is bounded eastwardly by 
Church-street, southwardly by Barclay- 
street, northwardly by Murray-street, and 
westwardly by the Hudson. The original 
title of the corporation was, " The governors 
of the college of the province of New- York, 
in the city of New-York, in America." The 
institution was called King's College, and in- 
tended for the instruction and education of 
youth, in the learned languages, and liberal 
arts and sciences. And for their encourage- 
ment, are authorised to confer such degrees 



142 

upon the students or other persons, as arc 
usually granted in the English universities 
or colleges. Under these powers there ha- e 
been two faculties established in the college, 
to wit, the Faculty of the Arts, and a Faculty 
of medicine. The particular state of thesQ. 
departments may be seen in professor Mit- 
chill's report of the state of learning in the 
college, piinted in 1794. Since that time 
there has been no further report made 
public. 

The Faculty of the Arts consists of a presi- 
dent, who is also a professor of moral philo- 
sophy, of a professor of classical literature, 
who also gives lectu.es on Grecian and Mo- 
man antiquities, of a professor of mathema- 
tics, natural philosophv and astronomy, who 
likewise teaches geographv and chronology, 
and of a professor of logic, rhetoric, and 
belles lettres, &:c. The faculty of physic, 
is composed of a professor of anatomy and 
surgery, of midwifery and clinical medi- 
cine, of botany and materia medica, of the-- 
ory and practice of physic, and of chemistry. 
The annual commencement is the first Wed- 
nesday in August. 

Lectures are regularly delivered on all 
these literary, scientific and professional 
subjects ; and the professors labour with 
3:eal and ability in their several departn^ents. 



14S 

There are some rare books and valuable 
pieces of apparatus belonging to this institu- 
tion. 

Since the revolution, this seminarv has 
been so far altered, as was necessary to 
adapt it to the new state of affairs. It is 
now called " Columbia College," and its 
stile is the " Trustees ol Columbia College." 
They have still, as they originally professed, 
the power of filling up all vacancies in their 
body, occasioned by death, removal or re- 
signation. Its income is about ^1500, but 
is expected to increase, with the renewal of 
some of their expiring leases of lands. 

The presidents are, Samuel Johnson, D. D. 
and Myles Cooper, L. L, D. before the re- 
volution ; and William Samuel Johnson, L. 

L. D. Wharton, D. D. and Benjamin 

Moore, D. D. since. To this college, Joseph 
Murray, esq. one of its first trustees, and an 
eminent counsellor at law, left his large library 
and almost his whole fortune, estimated at 
^10,000. 

The Library: 

This Hall, in which the bool^s of the 
library company are kept, is in Nassau- 
street, opposite the middle Dutch-church, 
between Cedar and Liberty-streets. The 
collection consists of about ten thousand vo- 



144 

lumes. This society was incorporated dur- 
ing the administration of governor William 
Tryon, by a charter dated 25th November, 
1772, The books were scattered and prin- 
cipally destroyed during the revolutionjary 
war. The present library has been purcha- 
sed since 1784, and is rapidly increasing. 
'i here are many valuable and rare books in 
this collection. The privileges of this cor- 
poration, were confirmed by an act of the 
state legislature, ])assed in 1789- The le- 
gal stile is ** the trustees of the New-Yoik 
fiociety library." 'I hey are twelve in num- 
ber, and meet once a month. Seven make 
a quorum, and a majority can transact busi- 
ness. The holders of shares pay two dollars 
and one half annually, to the treasurer, to 
support the institu;ion. 

Medical Socichj* 

A large assciation exists, under the deno- 
mination of *•'■ the Medical Society of the 
county of New-York." This is a corporate 
body, and was established in 1806, by virtue 
of a law "to incorporate medical sot icties, for 
the purpose of reguhiting the practitc of phy- 
sic and surgery in tlve slate," passed the 4th 
of the preceding Aj^ril. By this statute it is, 
declared lawful for these physicians and sur- 



145 

geons (not less than five) who were then au- 
thorised by law, to practise in their several 
professions, to assemble in their respective 
counties, and incorporate themselves, by- 
choosing a president, vice-president, se- 
cretary, and treasurer, and depositing in the 
clerk's office, a copy of all their proceed- 
ings within the twenty days immediately suc- 
ceeding the first Tuesday of July, or their 
other time of meeting. Each county socie- 
ty may hold estate, real or personal, to the 
amount of 1,000 dollars. A county society 
thus organized, is empowered to examine 
all students who shall present themselves for 
that purppse, and to grant them diplomas. 
These diplomas are general licenses to the 
persons in whose favour they have been al- 
lowed, to practise physic and surgery, as 
the case may be, all over the state. Such a 
society may also appoint a board of censors, 
consisting of not less than three, nor more 
than five, whose duty it is to examine stu- 
dents, and report their opinion thereon in 
writing to the president. After the 1st Sep- 
tember, 1806, all persons practising phy- 
sic or surgery, without having undergone 
an examination and received a diploma, 
are debarred from collecting any debts in- 
curred by such practice, in any court of 

N 



146 

law. A county society may also enact bye- 
laws relative to its concerns and property, 
the admission and expulsion of members, 
and the donations and contributions they 
may receive. They may impose a tax of 
three dollars a year upon each member, for 
the purpose of procuring a medical library 
and apparatus, and for the encouragement 
of useful discoveries in chemistry, botany, 
and such other improvements as tbe majority 
shall think proper. 

Each county society is authorised like- 
wise to elect a delegate to represent it in a 
central, or state society, to be held at Alba- 
ny. Fifteen such delegates form a quorum, 
may choose officers, and become a corporate 
bodv, by the name of " The Medical Socie- 
ty of the state of New-York." This general 
society may hold estate to the amount of 
5,000 dollars ; may grant diplomas, and 
hear appeals from students, who deem them- 
selves aggrieved by the county societies, and 
grant them redress ; and may make bye-laws 
concerning their estate and other affairs, ad- 
mission and expulsion of members, and the 
contributions and donations that may be 
made them. 



147 

Protestant Episcopal Society for promoting 
religion and learning in the state of New- 
Tork. 

This association published its constitution, 
from the press of T. & J. Swords, in 1802. 
The members are to be in amity with the pro- 
testant episcopal church. The objects are, 
(art. 6.) to adopt measures for insuring a suf- 
ficient number and succession of pious and 
learned ministers of the gospel, attached to the 
doctrines and discipline of the protestant epis- 
copal church ; to afford assistance to such 
young men as are of good character, and com- 
petent abilities, but in circumstances which do 
not admit of prosecuting the study of divinity 
without aid ; to encourage those who may dis- 
tinguish themselves, by extraordinary attain- 
ments ; to receive all donations for pious pur- 
poses, and to superintend the application of 
them ; gradually to provide funds for procur- 
ing a theological library ; for the establishment 
of schools, and of providing one or more fel- 
lowships in Columbia college ; in a word, to 
pursue a system of measures, whereby the 
situation of the clergy may be rendered re- 
spectable, the church obtain a permanent sup- 
port, and learning and piety be generally dif- 
fused throughout the state. 



148 

Its affairs are managed by twenty-one trus- 
tees, of whom the bishop is, ex officio, president. 
They are appointed, in the first instance, by the 
corporation of trinity church. They are to 
meet once a month, or oftener ; and seven 
make a quorum. They are, by themselves or 
their committees, to correspond, if possible, 
with the members of the society, and of the 
protestant episcopal church in every part of the 
state, and seek all manner of inforfaation, re- 
lative to the situation of religion and learning 
throughout the same. 

Private Schools and Academies, 

To the credit of New- York, it may be re- 
marked, that common education was never 
better attended to, than at present ; and that 
classical learning has been increasing for seve- 
ral years. Many excellent seminaries are kept 
in the city, at which boys are prepared for tfie 
college or universitv% under able t-^tachers. 
The demand for the Roman classicks is great, 
and increasing. Latin editions of the writings 
of Csesar, Cicero, and Virgil, have been print- 
ed in a very correct and beautiful st3de. 

Learned Men and Literary Characters, 

Governor Burnet^ astronomy. 



149 

Lieutenant-governor Cadwallader Co''den — 
Medicine — Botany and History of the five In- 
dian Nations. 

Chief justice William Smith — History of 
New- York. A continuation of the published 
work is extant in manuscript ; but the heirs of 
the author have not yet thought proper to pub- 
lish it. 

President Myles Cooper— Poetry— Politics* 

Abraham Keteltas — Sermons. 

Governor William Livingston — Poetry — 
Politics — Literature. 

Judge Daniel Horsemanden — History of 
the Negro Plot. 

Lewis Evans, map of the middle colonies, 
and analysis of the same. 

Professor Samuel Clossey — Reports of 
Morbid Cases, as investigated by dissection. 
Professor Peter Middleton — Medical Dis- 
course. 

Professor John Jones — Practical Instruc- 
tions to young surgeons ; his works have been 
edited at Philadelphia by his pupil, James 
Mease, M. D. 

Professor Richard Bayley — History of the 
Yellow Fever at New- York, in 1795, and se- 
veral other medical tracts. 

General Alexander Hamilton — Politics— 
Finance — Law. 

John JBlair Linn, B. D. Poetry—Theology. 
^2 



150 

James Daane, L. L. D. Larvv-Case, 
Elihu H. Smith — Poetry — Medicine. 
William Pitt Smith — Poetry — -Theology^ 
Walter Townsend — Odes. 
Bishop Seabury — Sermons. 
Richard B. Davis — Poems. 
Mrs. Bleecker and her daughter, Mrs. Fau- 
geres — Poems—Letters. , 

Succession of Nexv-Tork Senators in Congress^ 
sDice the organization of the Federal Go- 
ver?iment^ in 1789. 

1789, Philip Schuyler, 
Kufus King, 

1791, Aaron Burr, 

1795, John Laurance, 

1798, John Sloss Hobart, (February) 
William. North, (May) 
James Watson, (December) 

1800, Governeur Morris, 

1801, John Armstrong, 

1802, Dewit Clinton, 

1803, John Armstrong, 
Theodorus Bailey, 
John Smith, 

1804, Samuel L. Mitchill. 

Representatives in Congress from New-Tork 
City. 

1789, John Laurance^ 



151 

ir^U John Watts, 
1793, Edward Livingston, 
1800, Samuel L. Mitchill, 
1804, Daniel D. Tompkins, 
1804 5^^^^'S^ Clinton, jun, 
' c Gurdon S. Mumfox-d. 



PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. 

Theatre. 

The drama had been a favourite in New- 
York, before the revolution. During the 
time the city was possessed by the enemy, 
theatrical entertainments were very fashiona- 
ble ; and the characters were mostly sup- 
ported by the officers of the army. After 
the termination of the war, the play-house 
fell into the hands of Messrs. Hallam and 
Henry, who, for a number of years, exerted 
themselves, and with much satisfaction, to 
amuse the public. After the death of Mr. 
Henry, the surviving manager, formed a 
partnership with a favourite and popular per- 
former, under the firm of Hallanj and Hodg- 
kinson. Their efforts were soon after aided 
by the addition of Mr. William Dunlap. Af- 
ter some time, Messrs. Hallam and Hodg- 
lynson withdrew from the concern, and Mr, 



152 

Dunlap immediately commenced sole mana- 
ger of the New-York theatre. In this capa- 
city, he continued until 1804. During his 
administration, he added materially to the 
drama by pieces of his own composition, and 
by translations direct from the Gt-rman. Af- 
ter him, the management was undertaken by 
Mr. Cooper? who is now presenting to the 
town the best comic and tragic compositions 
that can be selected for the stage. 

The theatre is on the south-east side of 
the park, and is a large and commodious 
building. The outside is rather in an un- 
finished condition ; but the interior is well 
finished and decorated. There are places 
for 1200 spectators. I'he boxes are exceed- 
ingly well adapted to the display of beauty 
and fashion, as well as to the view of the 
scenic performances. The scenes are va- 
rious, painted with taste, managed with ex- 
cellent machinery, and adapted by their bril- 
liant and exquisite finish, to accompany any 
of the modern performances. Of the com- 
pany itself, it may be justly observed that it 
contains persons fit to represent both the 
gravest and gayest of the dramatic charac- 
ters ; and that the New-York theatre is on 
the whole, the most complete that the Uni- 
ted States afford. 



153 

Mr. Duniap has commenced the publica- 
tion of his dramatic works, in ten volumes 
duodecimo. 

Reading Rooms. 

E. Sergeant and co. have an eligible es- 
tablishment of this kind in Wall-street, where 
newspapers and modern publications may be 
found. 

J. Osborn & Co. have also a large and va- 
rious collection of the most recent and fa- 
shionable publications, near the theatre, op- 
posite the park. 

D. Longworth, editor of the New- York 
directory, at the Shakspeare gallery, in the 
same nighbourhood, exhibits his extensive 
collection of prints, chiefly illustrative of the 
scenes in the plays of the great English dra- 
matist. 



PUBLIC WALKS. 
!• The Battery. 

The battery is an open space at the south- 
western extremity of the city, situated be- 
tween State-street and the bay. It is so calL 



154 

ed, because part of its space was, in the ear- 
ly settlement of the city, occupied by Fort 
James, and much of the remainder was a 
battery to strengthen the fort on the water- 
side. It is reserved for that purpose to the 
present day. 

Military parades are frequently held here. 
On the 4th July, which is the national anni~ 
versary, and on several other davs, there is 
usually a martial and brilliant exhibition of 
the regiments of artillery, and the other uni- 
form troops, upon the ground. The walk is 
open to all the citizens. Here they may en- 
joy the fresh breezes from the bay and the 
shade of the trees, every afternoon of the 
summer, and receive refreshments after a 
sweltering day. In the morning, the pros- 
pect of thejersey shore, of Staten-Island, of 
Long-Island, and of Fort Jay, and the other 
small islands, of the ships at anchor, and of 
the vessels passing and repassing, is at once 
variegated and delightful. And if more 
gratification is desired, musick, ice-creams 
and other delicacies, are provided in the 
evening, at Mr. Corrie's public garden, not 
far from the centre of this exquisite place of 
recreation. 



155 

2. The ParL 

The park is a piece of inclosed ground si- 
tuated between Broadway and Chatham^ 
street, in front qi the new City-hall. The 
area consists of about four acres, planted with 
elms, planes, willows, and catalpas, and the 
surrounding footwalk is encompassed with 
rows of poplars. This beautiful grove, in 
the middle of the city, combines in a high 
degree, ornament with health and pleasure ; 
and to enhance the enjoyments of the place, 
the English and French reading-room, the 
Shakspeare gallery, and the theatre, offer 
ready amusement to the mind ; while the 
mechanic-hall, the London hotel, and the 
New-York gardens present instant refresh- 
ment to the body. Though the trees are but 
young, and of few years growth, the park 
may be pronounced an elegant and improv-» 
ipg place, 

3, Ranelagh, 

This house and garden has generally been 
known by the name of Mount Pitt. It is situ- 
ated about the junction of Grand-street with 
Division-street, near Corlear's-hook. From 
the front of this hotel is an extensive pros- 
pect of the city, and the eastern and southera 



156 

parts of the harbour. The adjoining grounds 
are shady and agreeable. At a short dis- 
tance in front, are the ruins of a battery, 
erected during the revohitionary war, on the 
hUl behind Behidere. On these moulder- 
ing ramparts, there is a pleasant walk and 
prospect; and behind Ranelagh, are consi- 
derable remains of that entrenchment made 
by the enemy in 1781, across the island from 
Corlear's hook by Bayard's Hill to Lispen- 
ard's Brewery, to defend the city and garri- 
son against the American army. The draw- 
ing of these fortified lines from river to 
river, was chiefly occasioned by the immi- 
nent danger in which the British army was 
placed, during the rigorous winter of 1780 ; 
when the rivers were incrusted with solid 
bridges of ice, their navy of no use, and 
their whole rear exposed to assault and inva- 
sion. But these entrenchments were left in 
an unfinished condition ; for the treaty of 
peace was concluded before their completion. 

4. Faux ha II, 

This fashionable place of resort is in the 
Bowery road, not quite two miles from the 
city-hall. The garden is laid out with taste. 
The walks are agreeably disposed, and strew- 
ed with gravel. Their sides are adorned 



157 

with shrubs, trees, busts and statues. In 
the middle is a large equestrian figure of 
Washington. The orchestra built among 
the trees, gives to the band of mus-k and 
singing voices, a charming effect on sum- 
mer evenings. Within this inclosure, the 
large apparatus for fire-works, the artificial 
mound of earth to view them from, the nu- 
merous booths and boxes for the accommo- 
dation of company, refreshments of every 
kind, and above all, the buildings and scene- 
ry for public entertainment during the sus- 
pension of dramatic exercises in the great 
theatre at the park, are all of them proofs of 
Mr. Delacroix's zeal and success to gratify 
the public. 

Academy of the Fine Arts, 

While Robert R. Livingston, esq. -was 
acting minister plenipotentiary of the Uni- 
ted States in France, (1801) he conceived 
the design of establishing an Academy of Fine 
Arts in New- York. In consequence of sug- 
gestions made by him, a subscription was 
opened for raising a sum of money to obtain 
statues and paintings for the instruction of 
artists. Copies in plaister have been procur- 
ed, of some of the finest pieces which have 
o 



158 

reached us from the hands of the ancient 
acuiptors. The Fighting Gladiator, the Ro- 
man Senator, the reclining Hermaphrodite, 
the Laocoon Groupe, the Jupiter Tonans, Ni- 
che, Socrates, and a multitude of others, 
make up this part of the collection. After- 
wards, the Emperor made a present to the 
academy, of twenty-four large volumes of 
Italian prints, and several port-folios of draw- 
ings. These works of taste and genius are 
kept in the spacious apartment over the col- 
lector's office, in the custom-house, where 
nvay also be seen a very striking likeness of 
the founder himself, painted as large as the 
life, in oil-colours. 



TOURS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF 
NEW-YORK. 

1. To New Utrecht, 

This is the nearest place for sea-bathing and 
air. It is a commodious house for lodging 
and entertainment, a little below the Narrows, 
in King's-county, on Long-island. The best 
road to it, is from the village of Brooklyn, 
through Flatbush. On the road thither, the 
traveller may pote several things connected 



159 

with the history of the revolution. On Brook- 
lyn heights, a little to the westward of the 
road, are the remains of a large fort, begun 
towards the close of the war, and nearly finish- 
ed. The fascines and labour were chiefly fur- 
nished by the Long-Island militia, who were 
assessed by companies or certain quotas of 
the materials and service. In the middle of 
the fort was a well, of more than a hundred 
feet deep ; and near the bottom, the diggers 
passed through a stratum of sand, mixed with 
sea-shells. From this fortification, it was in- 
tended to command the city. Governor's- Isl- 
and, and the harbour, as well as the neck or 
peninsula of Brooklyn, on which it stands. 

A little further, on the right, the remains of 
an American redoubt, called Cobblehill, erect- 
ed in 1776, arc to be seen. To the southward 
of this, are the salt-marshes, mill-ponds, and 
creeks of Guanos, which impeded the retreat 
of part of our army in that campaign, and were 
fatal to some of those who attempted to cross 
those muddy bottoms, at high water. It was 
on the south side of this creek, that Generals 
Sterling and Sullivan were taken prisoners by 
the enemy, in 1776. 

Proceeding along towards Flatbush, is seen 
the small hilly ridge, on which some skirmish- 
ing took place, between the two armies under 
Washington and Howe, about the end of Au- 



160 

gust, 1 776. This is part cf that spine or ele- 
vation of ground, which runs through the 
island, on the north side of the great plains, 
from New Utrecht to Southhold. 

At Flatbush there is a flourishing and re- 
spectable academy, called Erasmus- Hall. 
Boys are educated in common and classical 
learning, and regularly prepared for the high- 
er studies of the college and university. 

This village is the county town. The pri- 
son and court-house are here. Many of its 
inhabitants are industrious and wealthy farm- 
ers, who enrich their lands with street manure 
and ashes from the city, and raise great crops 
of grain and grass. Hereabout may be seen 
some of the most productive agriculture in the 
state, or perhaps in any part of the union. 

The principal inhabitants of this county, are 
descendants of the Dutch settlers, who first 
encroached upon the natives, in these parts. 
They have Dutch preaching in some of the re- 
ligious meeting-houses, and many families 
learn no other language, until they are old 
enough to go abroad. But there are no Dutch 
schools, and, consequently, the language is oa 
the decline. 

The tavern at Bath^ where the tourist goes 
for accommodation, is situated near the place 
where the British army landed in 1 776. After 
the arrival of the fleet, the troops were £rst 



161 

disembarked on Staten- Island ; but a few days' 
refreshment having been given them, they 
were taken across the Narrorvs^ and put ashore 
on Long-Island. From this place, they march- 
ed up to Brooklyn, Bushwick, Newtown, and 
Whitestone, whence they were ferried over, as 
the Americans retreated, to the city of New- 
York, to Kip's bay, to Horn's hook, and to 
Throg's neck. 

At this place, there is a broad view of the ' 
Atlantic Ocean, intercepted to the south and 
eastward only by Sandy-Hook and the light- 
house, and by Coney-Island and Gravesend 
point. Nothing can exceed the fine quality of 
the salt-water for bathing ; nor the freshness of 
the southern breezes for invigoration. To in- 
crease the pleasures of the place, both the gun- 
ner and the angler may find his appropriate 
game. 

2. Tour to Rockaxvaij, 

The route to Rockaway is from Brooklyn 
through the village of Jamaica, situated twelve 
miles to the eastward, in Queen's county. You 
may travel thither along the old road^ through 
Bedford^ and by the half-way house. But a 
more agreeable and instructive route is by the 
new-road^ over the Wallabogt bridge, through 
Bushwick and Newtown to Jamaica. 
02 



162 

The mill-pond over which this bridge passes, 
belongs to the national navy-yard. In or- 
der to effect it, an act of congress was first ob- 
tained, granting permission to construct the 
bridge, and then an act of the state legislature, 
to incorporate the company. The road from 
Newtown and Plushing, is shortened 2 or 
2 1-2 miles by it, and is not so heavy and 
sandy. 

The navv-yard is inclosed with a stout fence. 
There is a marine guard there, to take care of 
the timber, vessels and public stores. Near 
the navy-yard wharf, lie the remains of the 
celebrated British prison-ship the Jersey, on 
board which upwards of 10,000 of the flower 
of the American youth were starved and poi- 
soned to death by the enemy. These unfor- 
tunate victims of the revolution were buried or 
the adjacent shore, and in digging down the 
bank, a few years ago, to make wharves and 
building sites, a vast quantity of their bones 
were dislodged and strewed over the shore. 
They were, however, collected by Capt. John 
Jackson, the proprietor of the neighbouring 
land, and re-interred at his expense, in a man- 
ner that does honour to his heart and feelings. 
It is meditated to set on foot a subscription, 
for A monument over their common grave. 



163 

Capt. Freneau, who was confined both on 
board the hospital and prison-ships, in this 
place, has celebrated them in verse. 

The Prison Ships, 

The various horroi's of these hulks to tell, 
These Prison-Ships where pain and penance dwell. 
Where death in tenfold vengeance holds his reign, 
Arul injur'd ghosts, yet unaveng'd, complain ; 
This be my task — 

Two hulks on Hudson's stormy bosom He, 
Two, on the East attract the pitying eye — 
There, the black Scorpion at her moorings rides. 
There, swings Strombolo, yielding to the tides ; 
Here, bulky Jersey fills a larger space. 
And Hunter, to all hospitals disgrace — 
Thou; Scorpion, fatal to thy crowded throng. 
Dire theme of sorrows and Plutonian song, 
Requir'st my lay — thy sultry decks I know. 
And all the torments that exist below ! 
The briny wave that Hudson's bosom fills 
Dripp'd through her bottom in a thousand rills ; 
Rotten and old, e'er fiU'd with sighs and groans. 
* * * * * *__## » 

No masts or sails these crowded ships adorn. 
Dismal to view, neglected and forlorn ; 
Here, mighty ills oppress'd th' imprison'd throng'. 
Dull were our slumbers, and our nights were long — 
From morn to eve along the decks w^e lay, 
Scorch'd into fevers by the solar ray. 

Wallabogt is so called from the Dutch 
words Waallen^ Walloons, and Bogt cove } 
and, therefore, means Walloon- cove. It was 



164 

-^o named from the Walloons, or Dutch pro- 
testants of French extraction, who first settled 
there, and whose names and descendants still 
remain. They emigrated from the banks of the 
river Waal in the Netherlands. 

Newtown is famous for its pippins. Its 
wood was greatly consumed by the enemy, 
during the war ; and the inhabitants now make 
great use of the peat from an extensive hog in 
the vicinity, for fuel. At this village, there is a 
Dutch, a presbyterian, and an anglican church. 

In Jamaica, there are three similar religious 
houses ; and an academy for the education of 
youth. This was formerly the county town 
in Queen's county, but the court-house having 
been burned, it was determined to build a new 
one, nearer the geographical centre of the 
county. In pursuance of this determination, 
they constructed it further eastward, in North 
Hempstead, on the north side of the great 
plains. During the yellow fever at the city, 
in 1702, the legislature adjourned thence to 
Jamaica, to hold the sessions. 

South of Jamaica is beaver pond^ round 
which there have been many horse-races. 
Since the law passed discouraging that exer- 
cise, this place has been less frequented by 
jockies, and sportsmen of the turf, thai 
ibrrnerlv. 



165 

About seven miles east of Jamaica, begins 
the prairie or savanna, called Hempstead ■piain^ 
It is about twenty miles long and three wide. 
It was naturally, or, at least, when the Euro- 
peans arrived, bare of trees, but covered with 
shrubbery and long grass. These have chiefly 
disappeared, except some androraedas, and 
plants of a smaller growth, on account of the 
vast herds of cattle and flocks of sheep with 
which it is pastured. These animals eat the 
plants very close, and give to this fine and neg- 
lected tract of land a barren appearance. It is 
not a common, appurtenant to the adjoining 
villages ; but is a body of undivided land, be- 
longing to the heirs and assigns of certain ori- 
ginal patentees. And the owners are now so 
numerous and dispersed, that it is impossible 
to settle the titles and quotas, or to do any 
thing with it as property to be held in several- 
ty. Individuals, however, encroach upon it 
in all directions, and are rapidly convertin[^ 
possessions into titles. 

This plain is a noted resort of plover, and 
gi'eat numbers of these savoury birds are shot 
every year. 

At Rockaway there is a great scope for ex- 
ercise on foot, on horseback, or in carriages ; 
as the country is very level, and free from 
stones. There is as fine bathing in the surf, as 



166 

h found \n any place upon earth. And tkere 
are several houses of shelter, on the sea-side^ 
for the accommodation of ladies and valetudi- 
narians. At low-water, the surf-side of the 
beach is an excellent bottom to ride upon, and 
is equal to a turnpike road. 

The prospect of the unruffled ocean, is su- 
perb. AH the vessels going in and out of New- 
York harbour, pass in sight. The lighthouse 
at Sandy-Hook, and the Neversunk hills are 
full in view* And the roaring and impetuosi- 
ty of the waves, is sometimes truly sublime- 
In the adjoining bay, plenty of king- fish, sheep's 
head, and black- fish are to be taken, both in 
the seine and with the hook. And the variety 
of snipes, ducks, and plover, affords high gra- 
tification to shooting marksmen. During the 
warm season, a stage is kept regularly running 
from Brooklyn through Jamaica to Rockaway. 

3. Tcur to Islip* 

Instead of visiting Rockaway, you may tra- 
vel strait onward to Hempstead village. This 
is one of the original English settlements ; and 
among the records of this town, there is the 
original copy of the code of lavrs passed for the 
temporary government of the province, called 



167 

the Duke's, or the Duke of York's laws.^^ It is 
said, they were passed at Hempstead. Here 
was formerly an excellent school, kept by the 
Kev. Mr. Cutting, an accomplished classical 
scholar. 



* Exitracts froiTi the Duke of York's L-iws, enacted 
a^out 1665, for the g-overnmentof the province of New- 
York, immediately after its surrender by the Dutch, 
The duke's laws arc contained in two folio books, of 
moderate size. One of them is somewhat torn, and 
several leaves are wanting-. A number of the orders 
are subscribed in the pi'oper hand- writing; of Matthias 
NicoUs, as secretary to the g-overnor and court of as- 
sizes, wlao then possessed the legislative power. At 
the end of the second volume are some alterations, 
amendn>c!its, and additions, made at New-York, near 
the end of September raid beginning- of O-ctober, 1665^ 
in the general court of assizes. These are subscribed 
by the g'overnor, Ktchard Nicholls, at Fort James, 
on the' 30th of October, 1665. At that time, Nan- 
tucket, Bfart'in^s Vineyard, Noman's Land, and the 
Elizabeth Islands, were consulered as lying- within the 
liuke's Patent, and erected into a coimty, called Duke 
County. And another county, called Cornwall, v;n% 
erected at Pemiquid, as belonging to Nev;-York. The 
few following- extracts will show the sjnrit of the times. 

Boml-Slaiiery. — No christian shall be kepi in bond- 
slauery, villenag-e or captivity, except such who sliall 
be judg*ed thereimto by authority ; or sucii as willing-ly 
have sold or shall sell themselves ; in whicli case, a 
record of sucii servitude shall be entered iii a court of 
-sessions, held for that jurisdiction, wiure such mas- 
ters shall inhabit : Provided, that nothing- i;i this law 
contained, shall be to the prejudice of mai;tei's>or dame?,, 



168 

The Hempstead patent was granted in 1644, 
by the Dutch governor Kieft. It was after- 
wards confirmed, in 1685, by governor Don- 
gan, acting in behalf of the Duke of York. 
This Duke of York was in the battle between 



who haue or shall, by any indenture or covenant, take 
apprentices for terme of yeares, or other servants for 
terme of j^eares or life. 

Capitall Lmves. — 1. If any person within this g-overn- 
ment, shall, by direct, express, impious, or presump- 
tuous wayes, deny the true God, and his attributes, he 
shall be put to death. 2. If any person shall commit 
any v/ilful or premeditated murder, he shall be put to 
death. 3. If any person slayeth another, with sword 
or dag-ger, who hath no weapon to defend himself, he 
shall be put to death. 4. If anyone shall slay, or cause 
another to be slain, by lying- in waite privily for him, or 
by poysoning-, or by any such wicked conspiracy, he 
shall be put to death. 5. If any man or woman shall lye 
with another beast or bruit creature, by carnall copu- 
lation, they shall be put to death, and the beast shall 
be burned. 6. If any man lyeth with mankinde, as he 
iyeth with woman, they both shall be put to death, un- 
less the one party were forced, or be under fourteen, 
yeares of ag-e, in which case, he sliall be punished at 
the discretion of the court of assizes. 7- If any person 
forcibly stealeth, or carryeth away, any man or man- 
kinde, he shall be put to death. 8. If any person beare 
false witness maliciously, and on purpose to take 
away a man's life, he shall be put to death. 9. If any 
man shall traiterously deny his majesty's rig-ht and title 
to his crownes and dominions, or shall raise armes to 
resist his authority, he shall be put to death. 10. If any 
man shall treacherously conspire, or publickly attempt 



169 

the Dutch and English fleets at Solhay, in 
1672, when the former was commanded by the 
celebraced De Huyttr. James is said to have 
first invented the art of giving orders at sea, 
by means of the various movements of flags. 

to invade or surprize any towne or townes, fort or forts, 
within this government, lie shiiU be pat to death. U. 
IfanychJde or children, above sixteen ye ares of age, 
and of sufficient understanding, shall smite their natuial 
father or mother, (unless there unto provoked, aiid 
forc't for their self-preservation from death, or maim- 
ing) at the complaint of the father or mother, (and not 
otherwise) they bringing sufficient witnesses thereof, 
that childcjor those children, so offending, shall be put 
to death. 12. Every marryed person or persons, who 
shall bee found, or proved by confession of partyes, or 
sufficient testimony, to have committed adultery' with a 
marryed man or woman, shall be put to death. Eve- 
ry single person or persons, who shall bee found, or 
jn-ov'd by confession of partyes, or sufficient testimony, 
to have committed carnal copulation with a marryed 
man or woman, they both shall be grievously fined and 
punish't, as the governor and councell, or the court of 
assizes, shall thinke meete, not extending to life or 
member. 

Chinirgion, Midvjiues, Physicians. — That no person or 
persons whatever, employed at anv time about tiie 
bdllyo of men, women, or children, for preservation of 
life or health, as chirurgions, midwiues, physicians, or 
others, presume to exercise, or put forth, iiny act, con- 
trary to the knovi^n approved rule of art, in each mystery, 
or occupation, or exercise any force, vio^lence, orcruelty, 
upon or towards the body of any, whether young or old, 
without the advice and consent of such as are skilful in 
f 



170 

He succeeded his brother, Charles II. as King 
of England. While Duke of York, he had 
been initiated into the order of Jesuits. He 
was received, after his abdication of the Eng- 
lish throne, in 1688, by Louis XIV. and sup- 

thc same art, (if such may be had) or at least of some 
of the wisest and grauest then present, and consent of 
the patient or patients, if they bee mentis compotes, 
much less contrary to such advice and consent, upon 
such severe punishment as the nature of t)ie ftict may 
deserve ; whicli law, nevertheless, is not intended to 
discourage any from all lawful! use of their skill, but ra- 
ther to encoura.G^e and direct them in tlie right use there- 
of, and to inhibit and restraine the presumptuous arro- 
g-ance of such, as throug'h confidence of their own skill, 
or any other sinister respects, dare boldly attempt to 
exercise any violence upon, or towards, the body of 
young or old, one or other, to the prejudice or hai:ard 
of the life or limbe of man, woman, or c/lld. 

Condemned. — That no man condemned to dye, shall 
be put to death within some dayes next after his con- 
demnation, unlesse the governour see speciall cause to 
tlie contrary, or in case of martiall law, and the person 
executed shall bee buryed neure the place of execution. 

Fornication. — If any man commit fornication witlj a 
single person, they shall both be jumislicd bycnjoyning- 
marriage, fine, or corporall punishment, oi- any of these, 
according to the discretion of the court. 

Forgery. — If any person shall forge any deede, or con- 
veyance, testament, bond, bill, release, acquittance, 
letter of attorney, or any writing to prevent ecu i*y ;.nd 
justice, he ijhali btand in the pillory three gevcral court- 



171 

ported until his death, by that monarch. He 
died at St. Germains, in 1700. The grant 
was to John Jacksbn, and his associates, six 
of whom are named in the patent. There is a 
quit-rent reserved of twenty bushels of wheat 

dayes, and render double damag-es to the party wrong- 
ed, and also be disabled to give any evidence or ver- 
dict to any court or mag-istrate. 

Horses and Mares. — No mares shall be transported 
0ut of this g-overnment, either to the Barbados, Vir- 
ginia, or any other remote or foreigne plantation, with- 
out special license, under the penalty of the forfeiture 
of the mare or mares, so shipt for transportation. 

Innkeepers and Ordinaryes.—'^o licensed person shall 
uni'easonably exact upon his guests, for any sort of en- 
tertainment ; and no man shall be compelled to pay- 
above eight pence a meale, (with small beere only) un-- 
less the guest shall make other agreement with the per- 
son so licensed. Every person licensed to keep an or" 
dinary, shall always be provided of strong and whole- 
some beere, of fower bushels of malt at least to a 
hogshead, which liee shall not sell at above two penccs 
tlie quai't, under the penalty of twenty shillings for the 
first offence, forty shillings for the second and loss of 
license. It is permitted to any to sell beere out of 
doores, at a penny the ale-quart or under. 

Indyans.—^o purchase of lands from Indyans, after 
the hrst day of March, 1664, shall be esteemed a good 
title, without leave first had and obtained from the go- 
vernour. The purchaser shall bring the sachem and 
right owner of such lands before the governour, to 
ackiwwJedge satisfaction and payment for the said 



172 

yearly, then valued at four pounds^ Hence it: 
is evident that, at the date of the patent, money 
was so dear, that half a dollar would buy a 
bushel of wheat. Thus the settlement of the 
town began and progressed, each of the asso- 

lands, whereupon tliey sliall have a grant from the g-o- 
vernour. And the purchase so made and prosecuted is 
to be entered upon the rec<ji-d3 in the office, and from 
that time to be vallid to jdl intents and p»ir;)Oses. No 
Indyan, whatsoever, sliall. at any time, bee suffered to 
powow, or performe outward worship to the divili, in 
any tovvne within this g'.vernment. 

A Pronjtsion to supply the defect of Lames. — In reg-ard it- 
is almost impi ssibie to provide siiificiciit hiwes in all 
cases, or proper punis'iments for all crimes, the court 
of sessions shall not take further cog-nizance of any case 
or crime, where there is not provision made in some 
law, but to remit the case or crime, with tlie due 
epcamination and proofes, to the next court of assizes, 
where matters of equity shall be decided, or punish- 
ments awarded, according to the discretion of the 
bench, and not contrary to the knowne luwes of Eng- 
land. 

Marriages. — After providing tliat persons about to 
marry, shrdl purge themselves by oath before the minis- 
ter or justice, that they are not under the bonds of 
matrimony to any other person living, the statute goes 
on to declare, thut if it sludl happen it bee after proved, 
either or both of tlie parties are ])erjurcd, and thereby 
attayn a double marriage ; for tlie said perjury, tlie par- 
ty orpartyes oflending, shall he bored thro the tongue 
with a red hot iron, and, moreover, oroceedcd against 
as in cases of perjury is provided. But, if either party 



173 

ciatcs taking up certain tracts of land, and paj^- 
ing a portion of the expenses incurred by sur- 
veys and patent fees, &c. Things went on at 
this rate;, until the year 1722, when all the as- 
sociates, named in the patent of confirmation, 

be proved innocent, as to him or her selfe, and ite- 
rant of the other's fraud, the innocent person shall re- 
cover damug-e against the nocent party, and be set at 
libert}', as if no such marriag-e had hyw made. 

No man shall harbour, conceale, ordetayne, contra- 
ry to the consent of the husband, any married woman, 
upon penalty of five shilling's, for every hour that such 
married woman remains under his roofe, after demand 
made by her husband, at the dwelling'-house where his 
wife is so harboured, concealed, or detayned : Pro- 
vided alwayes, that any woman, flying- from the bar- 
barous cruelty of her husband to the house of the con- 
stable, or ore of the overseers of tlie same parish, may 
be protected by them, in the manner that is directed 
fur servants in such cases, and not otherwise. 

IVohes. — If any person, either christian or Indyan, 
shall, at anytime, bring- the head of a wolf or wolves,' 
to any constable upon Long--Island, the said constable 
i-3 required to call two of the overseers to him, and then 
and there to pay and satisfic such person or persons to 
the value of an Indian coate, (ten shillings) to be al- 
lowed out of the public charg-e, in the town rates ; pro- 
^vided always, that the constable or overseers shall re- 
quire the oath of such christii^n, who bring-s the heade 
of a wolfe or wolves, that he killed the same woife or 
wolves, with the tymc and circumstances, upon Long-- 
Island onely : provided also, the constable and overseers 
have due regard to such wolfe or wolves, brought by 
tbe Indyan, that they appear to be fresh and newlv klfl- 
P 2 



174 

i:emg de?.d but Jackson, he made a conveyance 
of the several tracts ot land to the i;ssociates 
by name, menticning only tliose who had paid 
their quotas of charges. Ihus they became 
secure in their titles, not only of what they ac- 
tually possessed, but of die meadows, plains, 
and other undivided lands in the town. Va- 
rious attempts have been made, from time to 
time, in tov/n-meetings and otlierwise, to cb- 
tain a partition of these undivided portions of 
land ; but they have all been ineftectual. And 

eel, with circumstances, upon Long--!slantI and not else- 
■where. The constable and overseers are to cause the 
heades to be nayled over tliC doore of tlie constable, 
there to remain, as also to cutt of both the eares, in to- 
ken that the heade is bought and payed for. 

Whales. — Any whale, or such like great fish, upon the 
shore of any precinct, shall betaken into the care oi 
any justice of the peace, mayor, sheriii, hig-h or petty 
constable, to be kei)t, or improved wliere it cannot be 
kept, and by such officers onely, imtill the g-overnoiu- 
and counsell, after notice sent, shall give further order 
therein. 

(When this body of laws was enacted, the principal 
settlement of the province, besides the cities of New- , 
York, Albany, and Schciiectady, was Long-Island. 
This was then called Yorkshire ; ar.d like Yorkshire in 
England, distributed i^to three ridings, the east, north, 
and west, corresponding to the t'nee counties of Suf- 
folk, Qiieen's, and King's, into which it is now rH- 
Tided) 



thus tliey remain to this day. They are not 
commons to the whole inhabitants, but undi- 
vided lands, belonging to the heirs, successors, 
and assigns of the original associates. So that 
4 1 years elapsed from the granting of the 
Dutch patent by Kieft, to the confirmation by 
Dongan. And 37 years from that time before 
Jackson, the survivor of the original grantees^ 
executed the deed of conveyance, naming the 
associates. 

Passing from this village to Thomas Sea- 
man's in the Bnisliy plains at Half-hoUow-hills, 
Vou find yourself on the grouse ground of Suffolk 
county. After passing from the naked plains,you 
enter the shrubby oaks and pines, which form 
the brushy plains. Amidst these thickets live 
the heath»hens. And guides are to be procur- 
ed at several of the houses on the road, to ear- 
ly Strangers to their haunts. 

Travelling eastward to Islip, the angler may 
amuse himself in catching the large trout of the 
bt-ooks, &c. may ride to Rockonkama pond, 
near the middle of the island, and take yellow 
perch ; or he may venture into the south bay, 
in quest of the same kinds of lish that Kocka- 
way affords. 

Should the traveller incline to hunt deer, he 
may be gratified by making up a party and 
proceeding a few miles further eastward. Fix- 
ing themselves in convenient stations with 



176 

loaded gunsythe hunters wait the arrival of the 
deer, alarmed and driven along bv others of 
the company who scare them with hounds. 
As the d<^er pass, the hunters shoot and kill 
as many as they can, 

P.iichague, 12 miles further, was former- 
ly the rendezvous of the Blue-point oyster- 
men. The quantities of oysters carried 
from the bay near the settlement, for more 
than thirty years, has been enormous. Lat- 
terly, however, they have failed remarka- 
bly ; and oysters are at present nearly as 
dear at Patchague, as they are at New- York. 
Mulford's was formerly a house at which 
they might be got fried, in excellent order. 

Should the expedition be undertaken in 
October and later, w^hen the bren^ and wild 
geese arrive from the northward, the oppor- 
tu Titles of killing them, and many smaller 
water fowl, at Smith's point in Mastick^ sur- 
pass every thing, perhaps, that any part of 
the island affords. The flights of them seem 
innumerable and endless ; and there are 
some stations, from which the gunners assail 
them with shot, at a most destructive rate. 

For the information of travellers, it is 
proper to state, that there is an act in force, 
for "• the preservation of heath-hens and 
other game," which was passed the 15th 
February, 1791. 



177 

*rhis statute inakes it penal to kill an^ 
Iieath-hen, within Queen's or Suffolk coun=. 
ties, or any partridge, quail or woodcock, 
within Queen's, King's, or New-York coun- 
ties, between the following lines, to wit : 
heath-hen, partridge and quail, are pro- 
tected by the law, from the 1st April, to the 
5th October, and woodcock, from 20th Feb- 
ruary, to 1st July, annually. They wht) 
violate the law, by killing these birds within 
the prohibited season, forfeit 2 1-2 dollars 
for each heath-hen or partridge, and five- 
eighihs of a dollar for every quail or wood- 
cock, with costs. Any of these birds found 
in possession of any person, is considered as 
proof of the killing by him. Actions triable by 
justices of the peace in the respective coun- 
ties ; and the bringing them limited to three 
months. But as this excellent law was ofteri 
violated, the friends to the principle of it 
have associated themselves into a society, 
called the Brush Club^ for the purpose of 
detecting poachers and interlopers, and pro-* 
secuting them to conviction. 

1 here is also a special act, passed in 1788^ 
" to prevent the destruction of deer." They 
are forbidden to be killed in January, Febru- 
ary, March, April, May, June and July, 
under a penalty of 7 1-2 dollars for each deer 
so killed, contrary to the meaning of the 



178 

h.\v. Fresh deer-skin, or venison, found in 
any person's c^^isession, is pr'nnci facie evi- 
dence ag .^'ist such possessor, and he shall 
be adjudged guilty, unless he proves that 
some other person was truly the killer. Per- 
sons liiling deer, by setting traps, sharp 
sticks, or spears of iron, or digging pits for 
catching deer, or watching in the night time, 
for the purpose of shooting deer, within 
thirty rods of anv road or highway, are fine- 
able for each offence 25 dollars. The forests 
of Suffolk county, furnish vast quantities of 
v/ood for the consumption of the city. Land 
that has been cleared of its growth of oak, 
is found to furnish another crop fit for fuel, in 
48 or 50 years. 

4. Tour to Passaick Falls, 

You are to cross the Hudson from Court- 
landt-street ftrry, and pass over to Powles- 
hook. You may carry horses and carriages 
over with vou, or}ou may take seats in one 
of die ordinary lints of stages as far as New- 
ark. Then you may make such further ar- 
rangement as you please, in a village where 
there is no difficuitv In pro'-uring the means 
of conve3ance. Bat r. better method than 
either, if sevt ral are g^ing together^ is, to 
m';:.' an :igree v;. nt wi:ii one of the stage of- 
fices in New- York, a day or two before-hand. 



179 

for a carriaj^e to meet you from Newark, 
with a single or double team as you may 
wish it, and to be on the ground at Powles- 
hook, at the precise day and hour you may 
name ; and for the stipulated price you may 
agree upon. The proprietors or some of 
their connexions will do this. By this plan, 
you are sure to have a carriage and horses 
immediately at your disposal. Your party 
may be exactly accommodated as to their 
persons and baggage, if they take any, and 
you proceed on your expedition without loss 
of time. Some persons who are fond of ac- 
tive exercise, go to Newark on foot, a dis- 
tance of only eight miles. 

Powles-hook is a peninsula, beset with 
creeks and salt meadows. It was one of the 
British out-posts during the revolutionary 
war, vvhen New- York was a garrison. Yet, 
strong as the works were at that time, and 
difficult of access, by reason of the mud and 
marsh, the American troops took it by sur- 
prise, and made the guards prisoners. This 
brave party was commanded by colonel Lee, 
of the Virginia line. 

This place has been much improved with- 
in a fev/ years, under the auspices of a com- 
pany, who have began a setth-ment, which 
they call the city of Jersey. Formerly the 
passage from Powles-hook to Bergen, was 



180 

through a slough ; but it is now a fine smooth 
road. The rivers Hackinsack and Passaick 
were, until about fifteen years ago, passed 
in flats at ferries ; but since that time, trav- 
ellers cross them on bridges, for the payment 
of a toll prescribed by law. Bergen is a 
Dutch settlement, being part of new Nether- 
lands. The inhabitants have retained to 
this day, much of the language, manners 
and customs of their forefathers. 

The causewa} s from Bergen to Newark 
have shared in a full proportion, the improve- 
ments of the present time. They are ele- 
vated more above the rise of spring tides ; 
thty are smoother and better than they used 
to be, and undergo more seasonable repairs. 
The m<"adow3 on each side abound in plants, 
with which the florist and botanist will be 
-cl-lighted. And this swampv region, which 
the 1 lough and hoe never disturb, will k.ng 
be the soil in which our indigenous plants 
will vegetate. In the latter part of summer 
or beginning of autumn, the andromeda and 
hibisctis on each side of the road, are some- 
ti Yjes very frequent and beautiful. To the 
northward, is a solitary mountain, called 
Snake-hill ; and to the suuthward, Newark- 
bay which is a shallow body of water, form- 
^d by the junction of the Hackinsack and 
Passaick, at their entrance into Staten-island 



181 

Sound, a little to the northward o{ Elizabeth- 
totvii. 

Newark is one of the most beautiful and 
thriving villages in the United States — It 
is famous for its quarries of reddish sand- 
stone ; great quantities are exported to 
New- York ; and for its fine cider, which is 
known all over the nation. It is also re- 
markable for its manufacture of leather and 
riding carriages. A number of beautiful 
villas are seen in its vicinity. An academy, 
a bank, a presbyterian and an episcopal 
church, are among its public edifices. 

Proceeding from Newark to the north- 
ward, you have a delightful ride along the 
west side of the Passaick. Scarcely any 
thing can exceed this for rural beauty and 
variety. Travelling in this direction about 
18 miles, you arrive at the village (of Toto- 
ivay^ as it used to be called) of Patterson, 
■where the operations of the great national 
manufacturing society were carried on in 
1790, '91, and '92. The company spent a 
large sum of money in blowing rocks, digg- 
ing canals, erecting buildings, and carrying 
on cotton works at this place ; and finally 
wound up their concerns, and dissolved 
themselves with almost a total loss of their 
stock. Many remains of their works are \ et 
t^ be geeu ^ and they form no small or in- 



182 

different part of the objects of tlic traveller's 
attention. 

Not far above the village is the highly 
picturesque cataract which the Passaick 
forms in descending from the top to the bot- 
tom of the precipice formed by a chasm be- 
tween the rocks. There is a great deal of 
rare and sublime scenery hereabout. Rain- 
bows often appear amidst the spray, when 
the sun shines. The peculiar appearance of 
this great work of nature, has been deline- 
ated by several artists ; but by none so well 
as Mr. Archibald Robertson, of New-York. 
His representation of it is admirable — on an 
album at the inn, you may write your name 
and your reflections. 

On your return you may pass the bridge. 
at Acquackanonck, and visit Schuylei-'*s cop- 
per mlne^ whirh was profitably worked be- 
fore the revolution. But although attempts 
have been made to rt-'-establish the works 
since the war, the adventurers have not been 
verv successful. The shafts, the engine, a 
parcel of refuse ore, and several pieces of 
machinery and apparatus, are still to be 
seen. 

After surveying these works, you may 
return on a cross-road, which leads you by 
a ph asant ride to the main causeway, about 
one-third of the distance from the bridge 



183 

Qver the Passaick to that over the Hackin* 
sack. A-.id to diversify your excursion, 
you may return to the city by Hoboken^ the 
beiiQtitul residence of John Stevens, esq» 
Between Jersey and Hoboken, you will ob- 
serve the village an i race-ground of Harsi- 
mui. This shore as formerly the duelling 
ground of the New-Yorkers. 

5. To King^s Bridge, 

This may be performed by proceeding 
from one of the livery stables or genteel 
boarding houses, in the lower parts of the 
city, by the way of the Episcopal Church of 
St. Paul's, the Theatre on the east side of 
tht^ Park, the brick Presbyt. rian Church, the 
Dispensary, the Masonic Hall of St. John, 
the New City-hall, the debtor's prison, 
and the Public Arsenal, through Chatham- 
street, one of the principal places for the re- 
tail trade in drr goods, by the Watch-hoitst 
at the head of Catharine-street, to the Bc;w- 
ery road. In passing along this, you see 
near the two mile stone, Mr. Delacroix's 
garden called Vanxhall^ where a summer 
Theatre is kept, and where fire-works and 
other handsome exhibitions are made on 
gaia-davs. A little beyond this is the Sai" 
lor's fmug harbour^ a charitable institution 



184 

'Ey capt. Randall, for the relief of poor an^ 
worn out mariners. 

Bt-yond ihis a little way, the nero bitilding^ 
for the Manhattan company^ appears (ai the 
right. This is intended to accommodate all 
those who do business with the bank, in case 
sickness should cause the inhalntants to quit 
the lower wards oi the cit) . A small dis- 
tance beyond, on the main post road, on the 
left is -Sipoxvder house^ ana on the right, ap- 
pears Rosehill^ the residence of the late 
General Gates ;^" at the northtrn aj proach 

* General Gates died in March, 1806. A few days 
before his death, he wrote to his ti .end Dr. Mitcliill, 
then at VVashing-tcn on some business, and closed liis 
letter, which was dated at New-York, 27th Ftbruary, 
•^ith these memorable sentences, written with a fii'm 
and steady hand : — " I am very weak and have evident 
sig'ns of an approacliing' dissolution But I have lived 
long' enoug')! ; since 1 have lived to see a mighty peo- 
ple, animated with the spirit to be free, and g-overned 
by transcendant abilities and honour. If from where 
1 am going, I am allowed to look down, and behold 
the world I leave, 1 shall rejoice to find the United 
States, beyond example, a great and flourishing peo- 
ple." 

A medal was struck in commemoration of the ca- 
pitulation of general Burgoyne and the capitulation of 
the British army, at Saratoga in 1777 As these are 
very rare, a description is given of it, taken from the 
original golden piece, struck in Paris, and valued at 
ten half Johannes, in the general's possession. On 
one side is a fine likeness of bin) in ^ r^f le, si:rrounc1cd 
by the words Horatio Gates, dnci strenus c and at 



185 

of which are some zvooden build'mgs erected 
by the comnion council for the t( mporary 
accommodation of the poor inhabitants dur- 
ing the endemic distemper of 1804 and 1805. 
By pursuing the road to the right, about a 
quarter of a mile, you reach Bdhvue^ a 
beautiful spot, which has been purchased for 
the reception of such sick inhabitants as are 
removed from their dwellings, in seasons of 
a prtvaiiing endemic fever in the lower and 
more compact parts of the town. On the 
right, and by the water side a little to the 
northward, is a small cove called Ki[)s hay^ 
around which are some handsome buildings. 
Returning to the main road and proceeding 
onw^ard, you rise a moderate ascent called 
Inckherg^ on the summit of which are sev- 
eral beautiful villas. The road for more 
than a league is not above one quarter of 
a mile from the margin of the east riv^er, and 

the bottom cotnitia Americana, expressive of its having' 
been voted by Congress. On t]ic reverse, Burg-oyne 
in the act of delivering- his sword, occupies the fore- 
ground about midway between the American and Bri- 
tish armies, which are represented on the right and 
left, in the rear. Above, are the words saliis regionum, 
septentrion : and beneatli, hoste ad Saratogafn in deditione 
accepto, die XVII. Oct. M,DCC,LXXVII. Three 
or four years ago, a few of these medals were execu- 
ted in tin at the mint at Philadelphia i and a select <ii§- 
tribution made of them. 

<L2 



186 

llie space between them is improved hi 
an exquisite style, by the more wtuhhy in- 
habitants. The entrcinces to tht- ir counny 
seats, frequently attract the attentirn ol the 
passenger. A little beyond Smith's tavern, 
there is a road to the ferry at Hellgate. — ■- 
From the landing on this side, you may pass 
to Ila/ieffs cove^ within the limits of New- 
town on Long-island. In crossing, you 
leave the narrow and rocky spit of land, 
called BIachveii\s'i6la}id^ a very short dis- 
tance to the southward ; and Hellgatc^ with 
its rocks, whirlpools, and currents, appears 
close to the northward and eastward. An 
excellent view of this picturesque and roman- 
tic spot may be obtained from the adjoining 
grounds of Mr. Archibald Gracie. His su- 
perb house and gardens, stand upon the very 
epot called liormshook^ upon which a fort 
erfcied by the Americans in ITTG, stood till 
about the year 1794 ; when the present pro- 
prietor caused the remains of the military 
Vvorlis to be levelled at great expense, and 
erected on their rocky base, his present ele- 
gant mansion and appurtenances. The ene- 
my took possession of Long-island before the 
Manhattan was surrendered to them. And 
helvv'een a battery w'hich was erected at Hal- 
Ictt's cove, and tiie battery which our people 



187 

still "held at Hornshook, there was a tremen- 
dous cannonading across this narrow arm c;f 
the sea, previous to the retreat and evacua- 
tion of the island by the Americans. At a 
convenient time of tide, it is very agreeable 
to see vessels pass through this place of in- 
tricate navigation. It is by no means uncom- 
mon to see ships and even sloops laying bilg- 
ed on the reefs, notwithstanding all the care 
and skill of the navigators. It is compute d 
that during the mild season of the year, be- 
tween live and six hundred sail of vessels go 
through this passage weekly. And they are 
not merely coasting craft, but brigs and 
ships of large size. A British frigate of 50 
guns, coming from the eastward, was carried 
safe through Hellgate in 1776, to the city. 
This is an excellent place for catching black- 
iish with hook and line. Porpoises are often 
seen sporting among the foam and eddies. 
And formerly, lobsters were taken in con-. 
siderable numbers, in hocp-nets. 

Leaving this place, where you are sur- 
rounded with elegant villas, you return to 
the main road and pursue your ride to liaer-* 
lem villiige. Here you see the river of the 
same name, which separates the counties of 
New-Yurk and Westchester. At this place 
the two counties are connected by a noble 
toiUbndge, erected, by legislative permis- 



188 

sion, by John B. Coles, esq. In this neigh* 
bourhood is the race-ground, over which 
horses are run, at the period when sports of 
the turf are in fashion. And ascending 
from the plain or flat to the heights of Hue r- 
lem^ you have an enchanting prospect of the 
surrounding country. 

Between the heights and Kingshridge. a 
little to the left of the road, is the place where 
Fort Washington stood in 1776. 1 his piece 
of ground commanded the Hudson, and liacr- 
lem rivers, and the pass by land. Here our 
countrymen made a stand, after the rest of 
the American arm}' was withdrawn from the 
Manhattan. They were surrounded by their 
enemies, both by land and water. "1 hey 
made a brave resistance, and killed great 
numbers of the British and German troops 
who invested it. But finally they surren- 
dered themselves prisoners of war. After 
their capitulation, they were marched to 
New- York, imprisoned with so much cru- 
elty, and fed with such scanty and unwhole- 
some food, that the greater part of them 
died of malignant fevers. So few of them 
survived, even after their release by an ex- 
change of prisoners, that many discreet per- 
sons believed, and believe to this day, that 
poison was mingled with their food, bv the 
enemy, before their discharge. 



189 

You return from the survey of Fort Wash- 
ington and King's l)ri(ige to the place where 
the Bhomingdale road appears. You tht-n 
take that course to town, and pass by the nu- 
merous villas with which Bloomingdale is 
adorned. 

This brings you back to the main road 
near RosehilU Thence you take tht- right 
hand opening called the Abingdon road^ find 
pursue your ride to Greenwich. This vil- 
lage is near the Hudson on the west side of 
the island. It is the principal feireat of the 
inhabitants, when the city labours uiider lo- 
cal and endemic fevers. B}'^ a removal two 
or tiiree miles, they find tht^mstlvts safe 
from harm. In this place the bank of New- 
York, and the Branch bank have buiioings 
readv to receive their officers and ministtra 
in cases of alorm from distemper. And ma- 
ny of the citizens have houses and places of 
business, to serve turn, while the si( kness 
lasts. And as this always disappears (m the 
occurrence of frost, the fugitives all return 
to town before the cold becomes severe. At 
this place too, you see the great penitentiary 
house^ erected by the commonwealth, at a 
large expense, for the reception of criminals ; 
thence called the State prison. It occupies 
one of the moit healthy and eligible spots oii 
the island. 



190 

Having surveyed this thriving settlement^ 
you may return to town b) the Greenwich road) 
which will conduct \ou straight forward by 
Richmond hill, St. John's Church, the old Air 
Furnace, the Bare market, and the Aii^any 
bason, to the B.tttery ; or you may proceed by 
the route ol the public cemetery^ or Potier'^s 
Jield^ to the upper end of Broadway, and 
drive into town, leaving St. John's Church, 
the new Sugar-house, the New-York Hospi- 
tal, the College, &C-, on the right ; and Bay- 
ard's hill, the Collect, the Manhattan water- 
works, the County Prison for criminals, the 
new City-hall, the Park, Theatre, &c. on the 
left. 

6. Trip to Sandij-hook and the Sea-bass Banks, 

A pleasant excursion for those who delight 
in sailing, is frequently made to the Sea-bass 
banks^ a few leagues beycmd rhe hght-Iiouse. 

There are several modes of being conveyed 
thither. One is, to engage a passage on board 
the public revenue cutter. Another is, to 
procure accommodation in one of the pilot- 
boats. But a third, and more easy course 
is, for a convenient number of gentlemen to 
charter a suitable coasting vessel or pac ket, 
to carry them a short trip to sea, and bring 
them back again. 



191 

Gliding down the bay with the ebb-tide, you 
pass between the Battery and Cjovernor's-isl- 
and, in the great ship channel. On the other 
side of that island, and between it and Long- 
island, there is also a channel of considerable 
width and depth. This is called Buttermilk 
channel. Originally it was very narrow and 
shallow ; but such have been the encroach- 
ments of the streets and wharves, that they 
have apparently changed the course of the wa- 
ter, and urged it in a strong current through 
Buttermilk channel ; deepening and enlarging 
it so much, as to render it safe for ships of 
great burthen to pass through it. 

The island itself contains about 70 acres of 
land. The jurisdiction has been ceded by the 
state to the nation, for the purpose of public 
defence. Fort Jay, a large and substantial 
piece of military architecture, has been erected 
on it ; and is now undergoing a complete re- 
pair, with parapets of stone, ravalines, cur- 
tains, half moons and slopes. When finished, 
it will be able to command both the eastern and 
western fronts of the city, and to annoy ene- 
my's vessels which may attempt to pass on ei- 
ther side of it. This is also called JSutten- 
island. 

An able and ingenious ship-wright, Mr. 
C. Bergh, communicated to Dr. Mitchill, in 
Januar) , 1 806, some ideas on the fitness of 
Governor's island for a navy-yard. 



192 

Mr. Bergh thinks there is not a ])kre in the 
United States equal to this for biiikling, and 
more particularly for repairing ships of war. 
The reasons of his opinion are the following : 
1. There is seldom a season of the year, when 
a ship cannot come up to the island, or go to 
sea, notwithstanding the ice. 2. There is a 
large space of water on the east side, which is 
deep near the shore, and moved by a mode- 
rate current. Ships may be in security, and 
wharves be constructed at a sm:ill expense. 
3, A convenient place may be easily found for 
docking timber and plank. 4. The advantage 
of having stores on the island, and lodging 
houses for the men, who cannot easily run 
away. 5. In such a situation seamen may be 
employed to peculiar advantage, in assisting 
the carpenters, riggers, he. 6. The force 
of the navy-yard would strengthen and rein- 
force the garrison at fort Jay. 7. Valuable 
naval stores of iron, copper, tools, &c. would 
be much less exposed to thieves. 

Two smaller islands appear to the westward 
of the channel, on the margin of the shoal, 
reaching to them from the Jersey shore. The 
northernmost is called Buckings EUis^s^ or 
Oyster- Island, The southernmost is known 
by the name of Kennedifs^ Bedlozv's or Ghh- 
bet-Island, Passing downward between Red- 
Hook and Robins^ -rcef^ you approach the q^ua- 



198 

rantine ground, where the pilots bring vessek 
to anchor, that they may be examined bv the 
health-officer. The commonwealth of New- 
York, about ten years ago, purchased about 
thirty acres of land on the east side of Staten- 
island, for the accommodation of the sick, and 
for the detention of such vessels as were too 
foul for admission to the wharves of the city. 
The ground is situated beautifully on a side- 
hill. And the neat and commodious appear- 
:ance of the dwelling-houses, stores, hospitals, 
fences, and other improvements, is very agree- 
able, especially to those who have just arrived 
from sea. Adjoining the property of the 
state, is a store, wharf, and yard, belonging to 
the United States. This is a branch of the 
custom-house, where a sufficient number of in- 
spectors are employed to take care of the reve- 
nue, accruing upon the merchandise unladen 
and detained here. Immediately after leaving 
this useful establishment, you behold Signal-- 
hilL On this elev^ated point of land, the pub- 
lic and private signals of the port are displayed, 
and in fair weather can be discerned from the 
Battery in New- York. This spot has been al- 
ready purchased by the State, and it is to be 
hoped, that before much time elapses, a stron^^ 
battery may be erected upon it, for the destruc- 
tion of hostile fleets. Hereabout the dis- 
tance from Statea-island to Long- island is the 



194 

smallest ; and hence, this part of the bay or 
river is called the Nan-ows. 

From the western extrtmity of Long-island^ 
along Denyse's shore, a shoal extends almost 
one third of the distance across the Narrows^ 
toward Staten-island. On the margin ol the 
shoal, next the channel, there is a bar of about 
half a mile long, running N. and S. on which 
there is, at low tide, not more than ihree or 
four feet water. On this bar, it has been pro- 
jected to construct an artificial island for oon- 
taining a formidable battery of cannon, tc pre- 
vent the approach of an enemy's fleet. It has, 
likewise, been conceived possible, to fix a chain 
across the Narrows at this place, between the 
Signal-hill-battery and the shoal-battery, and 
defend it on the inner side by a flotilla and gun- 
boats. 

As you advance on your voyage, the Never- 
sink hills, the light-house, and the buoys 
which designate the shoals, present themselves 
to your view. The former is the highest land 
on this part of the American coast, and first 
descried by mariners at sea. The second, and 
its assistant lamps, direct those who wish to 
enter the harbour. The others direct the pi- 
lots in keeping the true channel. On the 
right, the mouth of the river Raritan is seen 
running eastward from Brunswick j as is also 



195 

the bay of Amboy, a port of entrv, on tlie 
north side of the Raritan, at its junction with 
tht^ bay. On the left, you sce Ncxv Utrecht 
bath^ Conexj Island^ and Gravesend Point, 

Sandv-Hook is a narrow beach, running 
about N. and S. for seven or eight miles, from 
the foot of the Neversinks. It used to be 
connected with the continent. Bat during the 
winter of 1 804, it was detached from its con- 
nection, and formed into an island. Small 
coasting <:raft can pass through the opening at 
high-water. On the Hook there is a variety of 
shrubberv, a plentiful supply of salt- grass, and 
some upland picking for caide and horses, 
Buc there is no arable land. The light-house 
stands about due south from the C it-, -hall of 
New-York. It is one of the most large and 
important structures of the kind, upon any 
part of our coast, classing with those of Mon- 
tork and Cape Hatteras. The keeper, Mr- 
Schenck, entertains travellers with great civili- 
ty. A commodious house, rising out of the 
sands, supplies you with almost every thing 
you want. Persons fond of shooting, may find 
that pastime here. Nothing can excel the 
horse-shoe^ a place on the west side of the 
Hook and within the bay, as a place for hauling 
the seine. The shores are so clean and sandy, 
and so free from mud and shells, that you en - 



196 

joy the full luxury of sea-bathing. From 
this place, the British troops disembarked for 
New- York, after their disaster and retreat 
from Monmouth court-house."^" 

If you incline to be tossed on the waves of 
the ocean, and to amuse yourself with fishing 
for sea-bass, you stretch out from the Hook, 
five or six leagues to the S. E. There you feel 
the majestic fluctuation of the Atlantic ; and 
if you are prone to be sea-sick, you will feel 
the full effect of it here. Commonly, there is 
plenty of amusement for those who are fond 
of fishing ; for the sea-bass bite voraciously at 
the bait which is offered them, and are taken 
in great numbers. It will be remembered, 
that this ranks among the best eatable fishes 
which are brought to the New-York market. 
Shrewsbury and Long-Branch lie but a few 

* Dunng" the revolution, the Countess Dowag'er of 
Morton, in Scotland, erected on tlie west side of Sandy- 
Hook, a fine monument of marble, to the memory of 
her son, lieutenant Halliburton, of the royal navy, who, 
tog-ether with a boat's crew, perished there in a snow- 
storm. But, a few years ag-o, this work of parental af- 
fection was torn down and broken to pieces, by somes 
persons belong-ing- to a French armed sliip, in amannei* 
that reflects no honoiu' upon their professional or manly 
feelings. It was ung-enerous to wj^g-e war with the 
dead, or to deraolisli the works erected to perpetuate 
their famcv 



197 

leagues to tlic S. W. of the sea-bass banks- 
When you are satisfied with your sport, you 
return to the city by the same route, and view 
once more the scenes which presented them- 
selves to you, on your outward passage. A 
beautiful view of Signal-hill, with its public 
and private telegraphic fiags, has been execut- 
ed by Robertson. 



COURTS OF JUSTICE. 

Besides the Justice's Court and Aldermaris 
Courts mentioned at pages 54 and 57^ there 
are various other courts, civil and criminal, 
of general and limited jurisdiction, which 
are held in the city of New-York. These 
will be mentioned in their order. 

1. The Court for the Trial cf I npeachmenta 
and the Correction of Errors^ 

Since the removal of the seat of govern- 
ment to Albany^ this court is now held in 
that place. It is the court of dernier resort ; 
and consists of the President of the Senate, 
for the time being, and the Senators, Chan- 
cellor, and the Judges of the Supreme Court, 
or the major part of them. 
R 2 



198 

2. The Court of Chancery. 

This Court, consisting of the Chancellor, 
is held twice a year, at least, in the city of 
New- York, and twice in the city of Albany, 
and at such other times as the Chancellor 
may think proper. He fixes the times for 
holding the Courts, and may alter them 
whenev^er he thinks public convenience may 
require it. The present terms are, on the 
last Monday of March, and the last Mon- 
day of May in the city of J^ew-York ; the 
second Monday of September and the second 
Monday of December in Albany. Appeals 
lie from the decisions of the Chancellor^ to 
the Court for the Correction of Errors, 

3. The Supreme Court* 

This Court consists of a Chief Justice^ 
and four Puisne Judges, There are four 
stated and regular terms ; on the first Mon-* 
day of May, and the second Monday of No- 
vember, in the city of New-York, and on the 
first Monday of February and the first Mon- 
day of August in Albany, The terms conti- 
nue until the Saturday of the second week af- 
ter their commencement. The court ap- 
points Circuit Courts and Sittings for the city 
of New- York, Circuit Courts to be held m 
the vacatien in the, several counties, before^ 



199 

one of the Judges, for the trial of all causes 
before a jury. Questions of law which arise, 
on the facts, are argued before the whole 
court. One Circuit Court at least, and three 
or more Sittings are held, every year, in the 
city of New- York, for the trial of the issues 
joined between the parties in the city and 
county of New-York. Writs of error may 
be brought on the judgments of the Supreme 
Court, to the Court for the Correction of Er- 
rors. 

4. The Court of Exchequer. 

The junior Justice of the Supreme Court, 
or in his absence, any other of the Puisne Jus- 
tices, is, ex-oficio^ J'-idge of the Court of Ex- 
chequer. Ihis court is held during the 
terms of the Supreme Court and at the same 
places. It hears and determines all causes 
and matters relating to forfeitures, for recog- 
nizances or otherwise, fines, issues? amerce- 
ments and debts due to the pepole of the 
State. 

5. Courts of Oyer and Terminer and general 
gaol delivery* 

These Courts are held pursuant to the act 
of the legislature, without a special commis- 
sion, by one or more of the justices of the 
Supreme Court, together with the Mayor, 



200 

Recorder, and Aldermen of the city, or any 
three of them, of whom a Justice of the Su- 
preme Court must always be one. Similar 
courts are held in the several counties of the 
State, in which the Judges and Assistant 
Justices of the Courts of Common Pleas, are 
associated with one of the Justices of the Su- 
preme Court. The times and places of 
holding these Courts, are appointed by the 
Supreme Court, and they have power to hear 
and determine all treasons, felonies, and 
other crimes and misdemeanors, and to deli- 
ver the gaols of all prisoners confined therein. 

6, Court of Common Pleas ^ co7nmdnly called the 
Mayor'^s Court, 

This Court is held before the Mayor, Re- 
corder, and Aldcrmtn, or before the Mayor, 
or Recorder alone, without the Aldermen. It 
sits on the third Monday in every month, and 
k continued until Saturday of the second week 
thereafter ^ but the terms may be shortened 
l)y an earlier adjournment, if business does not 
require its continuance. This Court hears and 
determines all actions, real, personal or mixed, 
arising within the city of New- York, or within 
the jurisdiction of the Court. Where the sum 
demanded is above two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars, the cause may be removed, at any time. 



201 

before the trial, into the Supreme Court. A 
writ of error lies from all judgments of this 
Court to the Supreme Court. 

7. A Court of General Sessions of the Peace^ 

Is held the first Tuesday in February, April, 
June, August, October and December, in each 
year, by the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen, 
of whom the Mayor, or Recorder, must always 
be one. Courts of Special Sessions of the Peace^ 
may also be held at any time the Common 
Council may direct, and may continue as long 
as the Court may think proper for the dispatch 
of business. These Courts have the power to 
hear and determine all felonies and offences 
committed in the city of New-York. 

9. The Court of Special Sessions^ for the Trial 
of Petty Offences, 

Any person committing any petty larceny, 
misdemeanor, breach of the peace, or other 
offence under the degree of grand larceny, iti 
the city, and being charged with the same, on 
oath, before the Mayor, Recorder, one of the 
Aldermen, or a Justice of the Peace, and shall 
not give bail to appear and answer at the next 
Court of General Sessions of the Peace, may 
be committed to gaol, and if he does not find 
such bail, within forty-eight hoars, after his 



202 

commitment, the Mayor, Recorder and Alder- 
men, or any three of them, of whom the INiay- 
«r or Recorder must be one, may forthwith 
hear and determine on such offence and give 
judgment against the ofFtnder, that he pay a 
iine, not exceeding twenty-five dollars, and be 
confined not exceeding six months, in the 
House of Employment or Bridewell of the 
city, at hard labour, or at any work or employ- 
ment in any part of the city, or either of such 
punishments, as the Court may think proper*. 

9. The Court of Probates, 

Since the removal of the seat of government 
•to Albany the Judge of this Court is required 
to reside in that city. He has all the powers 
and jurisdiction relative to testamentary mat- 
ters, which were formerly exercised by the go- 
vernor of the colony, as judge of the preroga- 
tive court, except as to the appointment of 
Surrogates. 

10. Court of the Surrogate, 

Surrogates for each county are appointed 
by the Council of Appointment, one of which 
resides and holds his court in the city of New- 
York. They have the sole and exclusive pow- 
er to fake proof of the last wills and testaments 
of persons deceased, who at the time of their 



203 

death were inhabitants of the city, in whatever 
place the death may have happened ; to issue 
probates and grant letters of administration of 
the goods chattels and ci-edits of persons dying 
intestate, or with the wills annexed. Appeals 
from the orders and decrees of the Surrogate, 
lie to the Judge of the Court of Probates. 

11. District Court of the United States, 

This Court, consisting of a single Judge, 
has four regular sessions in a year, and special 
sessions are held as often as the Judge thinks 
necessary. It has exclusive original jurisdiction 
of civil causes, of admiralty and maritime juris- 
diction, including all seizures under the laws 
of impost, navigation or trade of the United 
States, on the high seas and in the navigable 
waters, as well as seizures on land within other 
waters, and all penalties and forfeitures arising 
tmder the lav/s of the United States. It has 
also jurisdiction, exclusive of the State Courts, 
of all crimes and offences, cognizable under 
die authority of the United States, committed 
within the district, or upon the high seas, 
where no other punishment than whipping, not 
exceeding thirty stripes, a fine not exceeding 
one hundred dollars or a term of imprison- 
ment, not exceeding six months, is to be in- 
Hicted ; it, also, has concurrent jurisdiction 
with the courts of the state where an alien 



204 

bues for a tort only in violation of the laws of 
nations, or treaties of the United States, and 
where the United States sue and the matter in 
dispute does not exceed one hundred dollars. 
It has a jurisdiction of the State Courts, of all 
suits against Consuls and Vice Consuls. 

12. The Circuit Court of the United States^ 

For the District of New- York, in the second 
Circuit, is held in the city of New- York, on 
the first of April and the first of September in 
each year. It consists of one of the Judges of 
the Supreme Court of the United States, and 
the Judge of the District Court. This Court 
has original cognizance concurrent with the 
State Courts, of all civil suits, where the mat- 
ter in dispute exceeds five hundred dollars, and 
the United States are plaintiffs, or an alien is 
party, or the suit is between citizens of differ- 
ent States. It has exclusive cognizance of all 
crimes and offences, cognizable under the au- 
thority of the United States, except where it 
is otherwise provided by law ; and a concur- 
rent jurisdiction with the District Court of the 
crimes cognizable therein. 



205 
HEALTH ESTABLISHMENT. 

The system of regulations to preserve pub- 
lic health in the city of New York, is establish- 
ed by an act of the Legislature, entitled " Afi 
Act to provide against Infectious and Pestilen- 
tial Diseases^'''' and certain other acts supple- 
mentary to it. 

The regulations respect the prevention and 
removal of nuisances in the city, and the exam- 
ination and cleansing of vessels arriving from 
foreign ports. For the latter purpose, a Qua- 
rantine station is assigned on Staten-island, 
about nine miles from the city. 

By the provisions of the statute abovemen- 
tioned, a Health-Office is constituted in the 
city of Nev/- York, under the superintendance 
of three Commissioners, respectively denomi- 
nated the Health- Officer, the Resident Physi- 
cian, and the Commissioner of Health. 

The execution of the statute, so far as re- 
spects the prevention and removal of nuisances 
within the city, is committed to a Board of 
Healthy consisting of the three Commissioners 
of the Health-Office, and a committee of the 
corporation of the city, chosen for the purpose. 

The execution of the statute, as it respects 
the examination, detention and cleansing of 
vessels is committed chiefly to the Health -Offi- 
s 



206 

cer, who is occasionally aided by the advice of 
the other commissioners of" the Health-OfRce. 

The regulations enforced under the statute 
may therefore be divided into exte7-7ial and in- 
ternal ; or into such as are designed to guard 
against y???T?^;/ and doniestic causes of disease. 

The external precautions comprehend the 
regulations of commtrre and shipping. All 
vessels arriving from any part of the world, ex- 
cept the ports of the United States lying to the 
north-east of Sand' -Hook, between 1st June, 
and the 1st of October, are strictly examined 
at the Quarantine Ground, and made subject 
to the directions of the Health-( iiicer, undei- 
a penalty not exceeding two thousand dollars 
or twelve months' imprisonment. 

All vessels arriving from anv place in the 
West- Indies, or the river Mississippi, between 
the first day of June, and the first day of Octo- 
ber, shall remain at the Quarantine Ground 
not less thanyowr days after their arrival, and 
no intercourse shall be permitted during that 
period between the crews and 'he city, unless 
subject to such restrictions as shall be ] rescrib- 
ed bv the Health-( -fficer ; and such vessel shall 
remain ?X the Quarantine Ground for a longer 
term than the aforesaid four days, if, in his 
opinion, it shall be proper, under the penalty 
of two thousand dolars or twelve months' im- 
prisonment. 

All vessels arriving from a place where a 
malignant or pestilential fever was prevailing 
at the time of departure, or il, during the 



207 

voyage, any person has died, or been sick on 
board, with such fever, are absolutely prohi- 
bited from approaching the city nearer than 
the Quarantine Ground, until the first day of 
October, under a penalty not ? xceeding two 
thousand dollars, or iniprisonm. nt for a tine 
not exceeding three years. No person arriving 
in such, or any other vessel, at the Quarantine 
Groiuid, is allowed to proceed to the citv, nor 
is any part of the cargoes of such vessels allow- 
ed to be conveyed to the city without a permit 
in writing, from the Health.Officer, under the 
same penalty. 

The Governor, or, in his absence, the Mavor, 
or in the absence of both, the Recorder, may 
designate other descriptions of vessels that 
may become liable to Quarantine, and may 
prohibit or regulate the intercourse by land or 
ferries with all sickly or suspected places. 

For the sake of additional security, all ves- 
sels arriving from any port in the West-Indies, 
in South America, in the United btates, south- 
w^ard of Savannah in Georgia, in the Missis- 
sippi, in the Mediterranean, in Africa, or in 
Asia, (except Canton and Calcutta) although 
no malignant or pestilential fever was prevail- 
ing at such ports at the time of departure, al- 
though no person had died or been sick on 
board with such fever, and although the Health 
Officer, after examination, had given his per- 
mit to proceed, are prohibited irom approach- 



208 

ing within 300 yards of that part of the island 
of New- York which hes southward of a hne 
drawn from the house of Wilham Bayard on 
the North-River to Stuyvesant's dock upon 
the East-River, under a penalty not exceeding 
two thousand dollars, or imprisonment for a 
time not exceeding three years. 

1'he Mayor, or Board of Health, may order 
to the Quarantine Ground, or other place of 
safety, any vessel at the wharves, or in the 
vicinity of the city, which they may deem pre- 
judicial to the public health, under the penalty 
of one thousand dollars, and when the owner, 
consignee, or commander of such vessel can- 
not be found, they may remove them at the ex- 
pense of such owner, &c. The Board of 
Health mav likewise order the removal of per- 
sons and things infected by or tainted with 
pestilential matter, to such place as they may 
think proper, and any one who resists in this 
respect forfeits one hundred dollars. 

Many articles of a suspicious kind are par- 
ticularly excluded. Hides are excluded be- 
tween the 1st of June and the 1st of No- 
vember, under the penalty of being sold for 
the use of the Health-Office. Foreign cotton 
is prohibited, within the same period ; but that 
which is the produce of the United States is 
only excluded from that part of the city which 
lies southofLispenard's meadow, and Ferry- 



209 

street, near Coarlaer's Hook. Damaged cofFee 
is specially prohibited. 

No communication with vessels at Quaran- 
tine is allowed without special permit, under a 
penalty not exceeding two hundred dollars. 
Measures are adopted to execute the law on 
this subject with the utmost punctuality, and 
offenders will be most rigorously prosecuted. 
All sick persons of whatever description^ 
found on board such vessels are conducted 
to the Marine Hospital and there detained 
till their recovery or death. All vessels 
found to be filthy or even suspected to be so, 
are washed, cleansed, ventilated, and white- 
washed at the Quarantine Ground, and in 
case of disobedience to the directions of the 
Health-Officer in this respect, the master, 
owner or consignee is liable to a fine not ex- 
ceeding one thousand dollars. All wearing 
apparel, bedding, &c. are washed and cleans- 
ed, or if it be thought proper, destroyed. 

The foregoing may be considered as a 
summary of the ^Ar^^rna/ precautions. The 
internal precautions comprehend those laws 
and regulations, which respect the removal 
of nuisances and the preservation of cleanli- 
ness in the city, the principal of which foU 
low. 

No dead animal shall be left exposed in 
any place within the first eight wards of the 
city, under the penalty of ten dollars. 
s2 



210 

No pickled or salted beef shall be deposit- 
ed in any place to the southward of Lispen- 
ard's meadow and Grand-street, between the 
1st of June and the 1st of November, under 
a penalty not exceeding five hundred dol- 
lars, or imprisonment for a time not exceed- 
ing six months ; nor shall any beef or pork 
be sold at auction within the said periods, 
under the penalty of twenty-five dollars. 

Boarding-houses shall be kept neat and 
clean, and no more lodgers shall be admitted 
than the City-Inspector shall thinl^ proper, 
under the penalty of twenty-five dollars for 
each person exceeding such number, 1 he 
Cit\ -Inspector or his assistant shall, likewise, 
examine them at least once a week during 
the summer. Persons taken sick in board- 
ing-houses between the 1st of June and the 
1st of November, must be reported to the 
Health-Office, within twelve hours after they 
are taken, under the penalty of one hundred 
dollars, or six months' imprisonment. 

All dirt and filth shall be brought out from 
houses, cellars, alleys, yards, and lots on 
sweeping days before ten o'clock in the morn- 
ing, under the penalty of two dollars. 

Garbage, shells and offals, shall not be cast 
into the street, except on the morning of 
sweeping days before 10 o'clock, under the 
penalty of two dollars. Combustion of kitch- 
en offals is earnestlv recommended as the 



211 

safest means to prevent the accumulation of 
offensive and putrefactive substances. 

No sexton shall inter any person who may- 
have died of a pestilential or malignant fever 
in any place to the southward of Pump and 
Nicholas-streets, under the penalty of one 
hundred dollars ; nor shall they inter any 
corpse within the above limits, except ia 
graves or vaults, at least six feet deep, and 
without removing anv other dead body or 
coffin, under the same penalty. 

No privy shall be emptied during the sum- 
mer, except between the hours of eleven at 
night and three in the morning, under the pe- 
nalty of five dollars ; nor shall any human 
excrements be thrown into any street, lane, 
alley, dock, &c. under the penalty of tea 
dollars. 

No new made ground shall be turned up 
during the summer, under the penalty of one 
hundred dollars. 

Gutters shall be thoroughly scraped out 
and cleansed on sweeping days, under the 
penalty of two dollars. 

Noisome, or offensive substances, shall 
not be deposited in any place to the south- 
ward of Grand-Street ; nor shall any pit for 
tanners and skinners, or pool of stagnant wa- 
ter, be allowed, except in Beekman's Swamp, 
under the penalty of five dollars. 



2I2- 

IVTanufactor'es, which emit ofFensivc 
smells, may likewise be suspended by the 
Board of Health. 

No oysters shall be brought into or sold 
in the city, between the 1st day of June and 
the oOth of September, under the penalty ot 
two dollars for every hundred. 

Undressed skins, hides, blubber, &c. shall 
not be kept to the southward and westward 
of Catharine-street and the Fresh Water 
Pond, under the penalty of ten dollars for 
every 24 hours^ neglect. 

Putrid and unsound provisions shall be de- 
stroyed by starting them into the river, or 
otherwise, and no salted or pickled fish, ex* 
Cept smoaked, shall be kept to the southward 
of Grand-street, between the Istof May and 
the first of October, under a penalty not ex- 
ceeding five hundred dollars, or imprison- 
ment not exceeding six monttis. 

Butchers shall brmg no gut fat into the 
market, nor the head of any sheep or latnb, 
unless the same be properly cleaned, nor any 
sheep or lamb in carcase or quarter with the 
feet or trotters thereto, nor any hides or 
skins, (calves' skins excepttu) under the 
penalty of two dollars^ They shall likewise, 
immediately after killing any animal, destroy 
the offals, or convey the same into the river 
uiider the penalty of twenty -five dollars. — - 
They shall not expose to sale any stale or 



213 

tmwbolesome provisions under the penalty 
of ten dollars. 

Nuisantes of every other description must 
be removed or remedied, agn eably to the 
mode prescribed by the City Inspector, un- 
der the penalty of live dollars for every twcn- 
ty-four hours' neglect. And in addition to 
the penalties prescribed in the cases of nui- 
sances by the statutes of the State and ordi- 
nances of the City, the remedies by common 
law may likewise be enforced. 

Any physician having a patient labouring 
under a pestilential or infectious disease, 
shall forthwith report, in writing, to one of the 
commissioners of the Heafth-Office, under 
the penalty of fifty dollars. 

The station assigned for Quarantine, as 
was before observed, is situated about nine 
miles below the city, and on that part of 
Staten-island, which lies within half a mile 
of its north-eastern extremity. The shore 
gradually swells into the adjoining hills ; and 
on the slope thus formed, lie the Marine 
Hospitals, consisting of a number of small 
detached buildings, and the houses requisite 
for the accommodation of the officers and 
others employed in the service. The build- 
ings which constitute the Hospital are sepa- 
rated from each other, for the purposes of 
ventilation and cleanliness, and although con- 
structed of wood, and generally of the height 



214 

of only one story, are commodious and cftm- 
forrable. Thev are sufficient to accomodate 
from 200 to 30j sick. 



HARBOUR MASTER;. 

With the augmentation of foreign and 
eoasting trade, there were increasing diffi- 
culties in respect to the accommodation of 
Vessels while in port. To lessen these, to 
k p good order among masters and crews, 
and to provide for every one a fair chance in 
his tarn to enjoy the benefit of the market, a 
Harbour Master was appointed, pursuant to an 
act passed April 3, 1801. He has authority 
to regulate atid station all vessels in the stream 
of the East and North rivers within the li- 
mits of the city, and at the wharves thereof; 
and to remove, from time to time, such vessels 
as are not employed in receiving or discharg- 
ing their cargoes, to make room f -r others 
which require to be more immediately ac- 
commodated for the purpose of receiving or 
discharging theirs ; and as to the fact of 
their being fairly and bona fide employed 
in receiving and discharging their cargoes, 
the Harbour Master is the sole judge. He 
h i^ iiso authority to determine how lar and 
tn what instances it is the duty of masters, and 



215 

4)thers, having charge of vessels, to accommo- 
date each other in their respective situatic^ns* 

If any master or person having charge of 
a vessel, disobeys or resists the Harbour 
Master in matters within his authority, such 
offender shall pay a penalty of fifty dollars 
with costs, for each offt nee ; v.'hich money, 
when recovered, is to be paid to the treasurer 
of the New-York Hospital, for the use ef that 
institution. 

It is further the duty of the Harbour Mas- 
ter^ to superintend and enforce the execution 
of all the laws of the State, and all the bye- 
laws of the Common Council, for cleansing 
the docks and wharves, and for preventing 
and removing all nuisances with which they 
may be incumbered. 

All pilots of the port must register their 
names and places of abode in his office, to- 
gether with the names, sizes and dimensions 
of their boats respectively. And the Harbour 
Master has authority to order any pihjt and 
boat to go upon duty whenever, in his judg- 
ment, the safety of the navigation of ths port 
renders the going out of such boat necessary. 
A pilot refusing to go, may be fined five dol- 
lars bv the Master and Wardens of the port, 
for each offence, or to be rendered incapable 
of acting afterwards as a pilot, according to 
their judgment in the case. The first to go 
to the use ©f the Hospital. The Harbour 



216 

Master may appoint deputies to assist him in 
executing the duties of his office. He re- 
ceives for compensation, one cent per ton on 
all vessels which load, unload or make fast to 
anv wharf, excepting coasters. From these, 
however, he receives one dollar in every 
case where he interferes by request, to settle 
a difference, the fee to be paid by the party 
in default. 

Masters of vessels and Pilots are caution- 
ed ag linst anchoring in the summer season 
within three hundred yards of the island of 
New- York ; and when they anchor in the 
East or North rivers, they are to be moored 
with at least forty fathoms of cable, to have 
their lov/er and topsail yards topped, and their 
fore and aft-spars rigged in. 



THE END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 220 392 3 



